Aquatic exercise boosts recovery from

Fractures (Broken Bones)

A fracture is a broken bone. A bone may be completely fractured or partially fractured in any number of ways (crosswise, lengthwise, in multiple pieces).

Fractures take several weeks to several months to heal, depending on the extent of the injury.

Treatment usually entails immobilisation of the fracture and any associated joints in casts or braces.

Some fractures will require surgical intervention and the use of metal pins & plates to ensure correct positioning to aid healing and improve outcome.

Even after your cast or brace is removed, you may need to continue limiting your movement or level of weight bearing until the bone is solid enough for normal activity.

During your recovery you will likely lose muscle strength in the injured area. With time, specific exercises will help you restore muscle strength, joint motion, and flexibility.

Plaster Cast:
Aquatic Therapy is possible with a plaster cast. We stock Buddy© waterproof coverings which allow for complete submersion of your plaster cast (see video below).

What are the benefits of hydrotherapy after a fracture?

• Buoyancy in water relieves body weight, allowing for easier walking and functional movements such as squatting, lunging or step up’s. Upper limb movement may also be aided in the same way.
• The hydrostatic pressure of the water has positive effects on reducing swelling which in turn helps regain more range of motion and reduces pain.
• Further positive influences on pain regulation are due to the relaxation effect of warm water and suppression of the sympathetic nervous system associated with water submersion.
• The sensory input of the water can also increase body position sense enabling improved feelings of balance and confidence.
• Through increased confidence and reduced pain patients are able to move more freely, which often leads them to report reduced fear and anxiety about their injury. This has a feed forward effect where future behaviours and movements over the early stages of recovery will greatly determine long term outcome.