While there is no fracture that is not bad, when it comes to the fractures of the joint, they are especially grueling. The complications associated are greater, as naturally, joints play a crucial role in mobility.

Once the doctor is done with dispensing treatment, your journey towards rehabilitation starts. Due to being immobile for so long, the joint needs exercise to restore its functionality.

Hence, after the fracture, consulting Best Physiotherapist in Lahore is imperative. They help with devising plans for treatment, so that you can have the mobility restored to your elbow joint.

The treatment plan will also vary as per the extent of damage, and the treatment dispensed in the face of it. In some cases, the doctor will just reduce the fracture, and then put the joint in a cast or a sling to immobilize it.

However, some people might also have to undergo a surgery, which is referred to as ORIF or open reduction internal fixation. Your doctor may then put the arm in the cast or sling.

Even during the cast sling, the guidance of physiotherapist is needed so that healing continues on track. Moreover, physiotherapists also allow patients to do daily activities despite the obvious impediment.

The role of physiotherapists

Once the cast or sling is removed, that’s when the real task comes in. Physical therapy plays a key role in the different facets. These include:

Improving range of motion

The most important target is to improve the range of motion. Since the elbow joint is involved in most essential movements that we carry out throughout the day, hence, restoration of the movement to the joint is imperative.

Moreover, it is suggested that immediately after getting your sling or cast off, you should work with a physiotherapist for improving the range of movement, as these exercises are more effective when initiated from the beginning.

Improving strength

For the joint to be able to do its job in an effective manner, it needs to be strong. Your physiotherapist might then work to strengthen the peripheral muscles to lend support to the joint.  They might make sure of different exercises and support equipment to help your elbow gain its strength.

Since when your arm is in cast or sling, you are naturally also less likely to use your hand as well. So, your physiotherapist might also work on improving the grip of your hands.

Improving flexibility

For to enable the joints to move with ease, and not cause much pain to the joint, your physiotherapist may also prescribe certain exercises that work on improving flexibility.

Improving pain and swelling

Even though your elbow has healed, there are still other sources of pain to the joint. The major source of inconvenience is the swelling in the joint. Since it is not possible to continuously keep popping painkillers, therefore, you should work with a physiotherapist for to improve your symptoms.

There are different techniques that they might use to moderate the pain and control the swelling. These include massage, electrical stimulation, cold packs etc.

Managing scar tissue

The treatment of the fracture is contingent on the type of damage. While some can be fixed by the doctor with no invasion, others require surgery. In such cases, there is a danger of the development of scar tissue. Managing it properly is imperative to enable mobility to the joint.

The healing process

The healing with fractures takes some time. You will need to be extremely patient through the process, and work diligently with your physiotherapist. While most people make a recovery in a few months’ time, however, it may even take up to a year for your elbow to completely heal.

During this process, it is pertinent that you continue working on the exercise regimen designed by your physiotherapist and doctor at National Hospital & Medical Centre.

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