Fracture rehabilitation follows a structured progression. Phase 1 (Protection, weeks 0–6): pain management, oedema control (elevation, compression), gentle range of motion within safe limits, isometric muscle activation, and weight-bearing as permitted. Phase 2 (Early mobilisation, weeks 6–12): progressive range of motion, active strengthening, progressive weight-bearing, scar management, and return to light activities. Phase 3 (Strengthening, weeks 12–24): resistance training, sport-specific or occupation-specific rehabilitation, proprioceptive training, and cardiovascular fitness. Phase 4 (Return to activity, 6+ months): full sport or occupational demands, ongoing maintenance, and injury prevention.
All patients with fractures benefit from structured rehabilitation. Without it, joints stiffen, muscles waste, proprioception is lost, and functional recovery is incomplete. The fracture may heal perfectly, but without rehabilitation the outcome may still be poor.
This IS the non-operative treatment pathway. Self-directed exercise is possible but supervised physiotherapy produces better outcomes for most significant fractures.
No surgery required for rehabilitation. Pre-rehabilitation (prehabilitation) before planned fracture surgery improves post-operative outcomes.
Restoration of range of motion, strength, proprioception, and function. Patients who engage actively with rehabilitation recover faster and more completely than those who do not.
Pain during exercisesExpected
Expected — rehabilitation involves working through discomfort (not severe pain). Medication timing can help.
Slow progressCommon
Recovery is often non-linear — plateaus and temporary setbacks are normal.
Time commitmentExpected
Effective rehabilitation requires consistent, regular exercise over weeks to months.
Re-fractureRare
Premature loading before adequate healing. Follow your surgeon's weight-bearing guidance.
Metalwork failureRare
Overloading fixation before fracture union.
Complex regional pain syndromeRare
Chronic pain and dysfunction. Rare but requires early recognition and treatment.
No anaesthesia required for rehabilitation.
Timeline varies by fracture. Upper limb fractures: functional range typically by six to eight weeks, full recovery three to six months. Lower limb fractures: weight-bearing progression over six to twelve weeks, full recovery six to twelve months. Principles: start early, progress gradually, respect pain, follow weight-bearing guidance, and stay committed.
Physiotherapy appointments typically one to two times per week initially, reducing as independence increases. Surgeon reviews at intervals dictated by the fracture.
How often should I do exercises?
Most fracture rehabilitation programmes prescribe exercises three to four times daily in short sessions (10–15 minutes each) during the early phases. Quality and consistency matter more than duration.
Should exercises be painful?
Exercises should produce discomfort but not severe pain. A useful guide: pain during exercise is acceptable if it settles within 30 minutes of stopping. If pain persists or worsens, you may be doing too much.
When can I drive?
You can drive when you can safely perform an emergency stop (lower limb) or control the steering wheel (upper limb). This typically means adequate strength, range of motion, and reaction time. Your surgeon or physiotherapist can advise. Inform your insurance company.
When can I return to work?
Desk work: often possible at two to six weeks for upper limb fractures and four to eight weeks for lower limb fractures. Manual work: typically three to six months depending on the fracture and the demands of the job. Your surgeon or physiotherapist can provide a specific timeline and phased return plan.