“Do I need physical therapy after a leg fracture?”
I slipped and fell in the bathroom, causing a fracture in my leg. I am a typically healthy and active woman. My cast will be removed next week. Do I need physical therapy?
9 Answers
It would be most helpful to know more about where your fracture was (which bone). That said, I always recommend PT after coming out of a cast due to potential loss of motion as well as strength. And, in the lower extremity, your gait (the way you walk) could also be affected. This would best be addressed by a PT. Since you report you are active, you will likely respond well! *beth* Dr. Beth Scott, PT, DPT Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner Bones For Life Teacher Professional Yoga Therapist Certified Nutrition Therapist Cornell Certificate Plant-Based Nutrition Dry Needling Certified Phone: 434-420-3263 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited.
yes. if you have healed. At that point, ROM and strength will become important to obtain right away
It deposited. How long were you in the cast for? Are you using any kind of walking device? What’s your pain level? How is your walking pattern?
Most cases after having cast need physical therapy .
Yes I would strongly advise physical therapy. Partially for strength from being in a cast for a prolonged period, pelvic alignment, etc. Minimally to get a good home exercise program.
Yes, PT will help once the weight bearing status is upgraded to strengthen the muscles.
Typically after a fracture, especially if no other tissues are involved, PT is not routine.
There's a good chance you have muscle atrophy and possibly stiffness in the joint capsule of the affected hip, knee and/or ankle. This could result in changes in your soft tissue and in the mechanics of the joints. These changes could result in a change in the way you walk, causing pain and/or dysfunction. You should definitely see a Physical Therapist.
I always recommend at least an evaluation. Even as a physical therapist, I always make it a priority to make sure that I can return to my active lifestyle without fear of re-injury.
