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Post-Fracture Rehabilitation Physiotherapy

After a fracture heals, the bone is only one part of recovery — surrounding muscles atrophy, joints stiffen, and confidence drops. Physiotherapy systematically restores strength, range of motion, and function.

SootheCare verifiedPhased programmeLast updated May 2026

Recovery timeline

A typical post-fracture rehab programme moves through these phases. Your physiotherapist will adapt the timeline to your specific case.

  1. 1

    Phase 1: Immobilisation

    Cast period

    Maintain strength and mobility in joints above and below the cast.

  2. 2

    Phase 2: Post-Cast

    Weeks 0-4 after cast

    Restore range of motion, gentle loading, swelling control.

  3. 3

    Phase 3: Strengthening

    Weeks 4-12

    Progressive resistance, weight-bearing tolerance.

  4. 4

    Phase 4: Functional Return

    Months 3-6

    Return to work, sport, daily activities.

What to expect

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques including joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Used to reduce pain, restore movement and break down adhesions in muscles and connective tissue.

Exercise Therapy

The cornerstone of modern physiotherapy. Progressive, individualised exercises restore strength, mobility and motor control — the only intervention proven to produce long-term changes in tissue and function.

Dry Needling

Fine needles inserted into trigger points to release tight muscle bands. Effective for chronic muscle tension, headaches, and stubborn pain that doesn't respond to massage alone. Different from acupuncture in approach and goal.

Electrotherapy

Modalities like TENS, ultrasound, IFT and laser used to reduce pain and inflammation, especially in the early stages of injury. Always combined with exercise — never used as a standalone treatment.

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Frequently asked

My cast came off and the joint is stiff — is that normal?
Yes — joint stiffness after immobilisation is universal. A few weeks of physiotherapy usually restores most range of motion.

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