Rehabilitation after a broken arm in Kyiv

Causes of a broken arm

A broken arm can occur after a fall, a direct blow, a sports injury, a car accident, a twisted wrist, or a household situation. Most often, people instinctively put their arm out when falling, which can cause injury to the wrist, forearm, hand, fingers, or elbow.

Degrees of arm fracture

The degree of a hand fracture depends on the location, displacement, stability, treatment method, and stage of union. Rehabilitation after a finger, wrist, and shoulder fracture is different, so the program cannot be selected the same for everyone.

Consequences of inaction in case of a broken arm

If rehabilitation is not performed after a broken arm, stiffness, weakness of the grip, swelling, numbness, pain and difficulty with small everyday movements may remain. The arm may heal but not regain full function: it is difficult for a person to write, fasten buttons, hold a cup, work at a computer or carry objects. After surgery without recovery, scar restrictions and fear of strain may be added.

Possible consequences:

• decreased amplitude of fingers, hand, elbow or shoulder;
• weakness of the grip;
• swelling and stiffness after immobilization;
• fine motor disorders;
• pain during everyday movements;
• compensation in the shoulder, neck or other arm.

After a hand fracture, it is important to restore not only the bone, but also the function of the entire limb.

Who needs rehabilitation after a displaced arm fracture?

Rehabilitation after a displaced hand fracture is necessary for patients after a cast, surgery, plate, pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness of the hand or fingers. It is especially important after fractures of the wrist, hand and fingers, because even a small loss of mobility can interfere with precise actions. The program is also needed after the plate is removed, if there are scar restrictions or weakness.

What tasks does recovery after a fracture of the hand or finger solve?

Rehabilitation after a fracture of the hand or finger helps to restore the amplitude, grip strength, fine motor skills, coordination and everyday movements. After immobilization, the fingers may not bend well, the hand weakens, and swelling interferes with precise movements. The program includes gentle exercises for flexion and extension, gradual strength, work with coordination, sensitivity and functional actions. If there was a fracture of the wrist or forearm, it is also important to restore the rotation of the forearm, flexion and extension of the hand. The main result is a hand that can again perform daily tasks.

When is rehabilitation needed after removing a plate from the hand?

Rehabilitation after removal of the arm plate may be necessary after re-operation if there is pain, scarring, weakness, swelling, or a need for gradual development of movement. After removal of the metal structure, the tissues again undergo a healing phase, so the load should be increased carefully. The program may include work on mobility, scarring, strength, sensitivity, and everyday movements. If the doctor has temporarily limited weight lifting or arm support, these recommendations should be followed. Return to strength loads should be gradual.

How is hand rehabilitation carried out at the Kinezium center in Kyiv?

Hand rehabilitation at the KINEZIUM center in Kyiv begins with an assessment of mobility, pain, swelling, grip strength, sensitivity, doctor's recommendations and the patient's daily tasks. The specialist clarifies where the fracture was, whether there was a displacement, surgery, plate or plaster, whether union is confirmed and what movements are allowed. Next, exercises are selected for amplitude, strength, coordination, fine motor skills, working with the scar and returning to daily activities. At each stage, the hand's reaction to the load is monitored: pain, swelling, fatigue, quality of movement. A home program is important because the hand needs regular short exercises.

How does hand rehabilitation after a fracture differ from regular physiotherapy?

Hand rehabilitation after a fracture differs from regular physical therapy in that the focus is not only on pain, but also on fine motor skills, grip strength, scarring, finger range of motion, and gradual return to activity. Physical therapy may help with pain or tissue response, but without active movement and functional exercises, the hand may remain weak. Precision, repetition, and regularity are especially important for the hand and fingers.

What restrictions should be considered after an arm fracture?

After a hand fracture, consideration should be given to incomplete union, pain, swelling, numbness, medical restrictions, early weight-bearing restrictions, scar status, instability, or signs of infection after surgery. If union is not yet confirmed, do not put any force on the hand or do any weight-bearing work. If there is increasing numbness, discoloration of the fingers, or severe swelling, medical evaluation is required.

AAOS Hand Fractures explains that a hand fracture can be caused by a fall, crush, twisting, or contact sports: orthoinfo.aaos.org. AAOS Finger Fractures describes the symptoms of a finger fracture, including swelling, tenderness, bruising, and inability to fully move the finger: orthoinfo.aaos.org. MedlinePlus explains in its article on fractures that the bone needs time to heal, and the load should be in accordance with the recommendations of a specialist: medlineplus.gov. Practical conclusion: after a broken arm, you cannot force the force until the tissues and bone are ready.

What results can you expect after rehabilitation at Kinezium?

After rehabilitation in KINEZIUM, you can expect a gradual return of mobility, strength, grip, fine motor skills and everyday activities. The result depends on the location of the fracture, the presence of displacement, the operation, the duration of immobilization, swelling, pain and the regularity of home exercises. In practice, this means better holding objects, writing, working with the hand, performing everyday and work movements.

AAOS Hand Fractures describes a hand fracture as involving the bones of the fingers and palm and can occur after a fall, twist, or impact: orthoinfo.aaos.org. AAOS Finger Fractures emphasizes that with finger fractures, there may be a limitation of full finger movement: orthoinfo.aaos.org. MedlinePlus Rehabilitation describes recovery as the process of regaining the abilities needed for daily living after injury or treatment: medlineplus.gov. Practical conclusion: after a hand fracture, the main indicator of the result is not only less pain, but also the return of grip, accuracy, and everyday function.

How to sign up for rehabilitation after a broken arm?

To sign up for rehabilitation after a broken arm, you need to contact KINEZIUM and inform the location of the fracture, the date of the injury, whether there was a displacement, cast, surgery, plate or removal of the metal structure. At the first visit, it is advisable to take pictures, a doctor's statement and recommendations on movements and loads. The specialist will assess the amplitude, grip strength, swelling, sensitivity, pain and household restrictions. After that, an individual recovery program is formed. If there is sharp pain, increased swelling, numbness or signs of circulatory problems, a medical evaluation is required first.