Recovering from fractures resulting from a car accident requires comprehensive and targeted care to ensure optimal healing and return to function. In Edmonton, individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents can access specialized physiotherapy tailored specifically for their recovery needs. Known as motor vehicle accident physiotherapy in Edmonton, this form of treatment focuses on mitigating pain and strengthening the areas weakened by fractures. Accident physiotherapy utilizes a variety of techniques, including manual therapy and customized exercise programs, to accelerate healing and prevent long-term disability.
Pain Management
The first step in rehabilitation after a car accident is a thorough assessment to determine the extent of injuries and specific patient needs. Early rehabilitation prioritizes effective pain management with techniques that alleviate pain and reduce inflammation without relying heavily on medications. Cold therapy, using ice packs for 20-30 minutes every few hours, helps reduce swelling and pain in the initial days post-injury. Electrical stimulation, such as TENS, uses low-voltage currents to prohibit pain signals from reaching the brain and induce endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Mobilization Techniques
As pain becomes manageable, physiotherapy focuses on mobilization techniques to prevent stiffness and enhance the range of motion, which is essential for full functional recovery. Gentle joint mobilization involves careful manipulation of joints around the fracture site and other affected areas to increase mobility, alleviate stiffness, and improve function. Controlled movements start with passive exercises, where the therapist assists and progresses to active movements performed by the patient, aiming to restore normal joint function and prevent long-term disability.
Strength and Conditioning Exercises
Strengthening exercises are important for rebuilding muscle strength and supporting the bones as they heal.
Isometric Exercises
- Quadriceps Set: Sit with your leg straight and tighten the muscle on the top of your thigh. Maintain the contraction for 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat 10-15 times for each leg.
- Gluteal Sets: Lie on your back with bent knees and feet flat on the floor. Squeeze your buttocks together, hold for 5-10 seconds, and release. Perform 10-15 repetitions.
- Hand Grips: Using a stress ball or hand gripper, squeeze the grip tightly and hold for a few seconds before releasing. Repeat multiple times to maintain hand and forearm strength.
Progressive Resistance Training
- Resistance Band Pulls: Secure a resistance band to a stable object at elbow height. Hold the band with both hands and pull it towards the chest, keeping both elbows close to the body. Hold for a moment and then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times.
- Leg Presses: Using a light resistance band around the feet, sit with the legs straight and press both feet against the band, extending and flexing the ankles. This can also be done under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
- Light Dumbbell Curls: Sit or stand with a light dumbbell in each hand. Curl the weights, keeping the elbows close to your torso. Perform 10-15 repetitions.
Functional Training
Functional training focuses on restoring the ability to perform daily activities impacted after a motor vehicle accident.
- Sit to Stand: Train by standing up from a seated position without using hands. Start by sitting in a chair, then slowly stand and sit back down. Repeat 10-15 times to build leg strength and improve balance.
- Walking Drills: Practice walking straight, turning, and varying your walking speed. Use a hallway or a long, clear path. If balance is a concern, perform this exercise under supervision or with support.
Exercise Therapy for Various Fracture Rehabilitation
Elbow Fracture
For elbow fractures, specific exercises can help restore strength and flexibility:
- Elbow Flexion and Extension: Sit with the arm supported and gently bend and straighten the elbow. Perform 10-15 repetitions.
- Forearm Rotations: Hold the elbow at the side, bend it to 90 degrees, and rotate the forearm up and down. Repeat 10-15 times.
TMJ Fracture
TMJ fracture rehabilitation focuses on gentle movements and exercises to restore function :
- Jaw Movements: Gently open and close the mouth, then move the jaw from side to side. Perform 10-15 repetitions each.
- Resisted Jaw Opening: Place the thumb under the chin, apply gentle downward pressure, and attempt to open the mouth. Maintain for 5-10 seconds and repeat 5-10 times.
Rib Fractures
Rib fractures often result from the impact of the chest against the steering wheel or seatbelt. Rehabilitation focuses on maintaining respiratory function.
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Take deep breaths through the nose and slowly exhale through the mouth to expand the lungs and prevent complications like pneumonia. Perform 5-10 deep breaths several times a day.
- Gentle Stretching: Gentle upper body stretches can help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness around the ribcage.
Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures
Clavicle fractures are common in car accidents due to the shoulder strap of the seatbelt.
- Shoulder Shrugs: Lift the shoulders towards the ears and then relax them. Repeat 10-15 times.
- Pendulum Exercises: Lean forward, letting the arm down, and gently swing it in small circles to improve shoulder mobility. Perform for 1-2 minutes in each direction.
Pelvic Fractures
Pelvic fractures may result from the force of the accident impacting the hips. Rehabilitation includes exercises to restore pelvic stability and mobility.
- Pelvic Tilts: Lie on the back with bent knees and feet flat on the floor. Gently tilt the pelvis up and down, engaging core muscles. Perform 10-15 repetitions.
- Hip Abduction: Lie on the side with legs straight. Lift the leg towards the ceiling and lower it back down. Repeat 10-15 times for each leg.
Incorporating these, especially under the guidance of a professional in motor vehicle accident physiotherapy in Edmonton, ensures a balanced approach to recovery.
Achieving Full Recovery
In conclusion, the road to recovery following fractures sustained in car accidents can be complex and demanding. However, with the right support and guidance through car accident physiotherapy, complete healing is achievable. Momentum Physiotherapy offers motor vehicle accident physiotherapy, providing targeted treatments that are essential for effective recovery from fractures and other car accident-related injuries.
Contact Momentum Physiotherapy to discover how our utmost care can facilitate a smooth and efficient recovery through motor vehicle accident physiotherapy in Edmonton.
