Recovering from a fracture or dislocation can feel overwhelming. The pain, limited movement, swelling, and fear of re-injury make daily life difficult. But with the right rehabilitation plan, most people regain full strength, mobility, and confidence.
In this guide, you’ll learn what fractures and dislocations are, how rehab works, what recovery looks like, and how Beyond Physiotherapy (Surrey, Langley, White Rock & Abbotsford) helps patients heal safely and effectively.
Let’s break it down step-by-step—simple, human-friendly, and easy to follow.
🧩 Understanding Fractures & Dislocations
🔹 What is a Fracture?
A fracture is a break in the bone. It can be:
Hairline fracture (small crack)
Simple fracture (clean break)
Comminuted fracture (bone breaks into pieces)
Compound fracture (bone pierces the skin)
Stress fracture (from overuse)
Common symptoms:
Sharp pain
Swelling
Bruising
Difficulty moving the limb
Visible deformity (in severe cases)
Fractures usually require cast immobilization, a splint, or sometimes surgery.
🔹 What is a Dislocation?
A dislocation occurs when a bone slips out of its joint. This often affects:
Shoulder
Finger
Elbow
Kneecap
Hip
Symptoms include:
Intense pain
A visible “out of place” joint
Swelling
Numbness or tingling
Limited movement
Dislocations often require manual repositioning, followed by rehab to prevent recurrence.
💡 Why Rehab Is Essential After a Fracture or Dislocation
Many people think that once the bone heals or the joint is relocated, the problem is solved.
Not true.
Without proper rehabilitation, patients often experience:
Stiffness
Weakness
Chronic pain
Poor mobility
Higher risk of re-injury
Delayed return to work/sports
Rehab helps you:
Restore normal movement
Strengthen supportive muscles
Improve joint stability
Reduce pain
Regain confidence
🏥 Stages of Fracture & Dislocation Rehab
Proper rehab follows a structured, step-by-step plan.
🟩 Stage 1: Immobilization Phase (0–6 Weeks)
This is when the bone or joint needs rest and stability.
Goals:
Reduce pain
Reduce swelling
Prevent muscle wasting
Maintain circulation
Rehab may include:
Gentle range-of-motion exercises for nearby joints
Soft tissue therapy around the immobilized area
Pain management (ultrasound, laser, heat/ice)
Breathing and circulation exercises
🟨 Stage 2: Early Mobilization Phase (6–10 Weeks)
After the cast or sling comes off, stiffness is common.
Goals:
Improve joint movement
Start rebuilding muscle strength
Gradually introduce functional activities
Rehab includes:
Stretching
Light strengthening
Joint mobilization
Balance work
Posture correction
🟧 Stage 3: Strengthening & Stability Phase (2–3 Months)
Now it’s time to strengthen the area properly.
Goals:
Restore full strength
Improve joint control
Enhance flexibility
Prevent future injury
Rehab includes:
Resistance training
Proprioception exercises
Progressive weight-bearing
Functional movement training
🟥 Stage 4: Return-to-Activity Phase (3–6 Months)
Whether you want to return to work, the gym, or sports—this is when your body needs sport-specific or job-specific training.
Goals:
Restore full mobility
Ensure joint/bone stability under stress
Boost confidence in movement
Rehab may include:
Sport drills
Plyometrics
Agility training
Functional strength workouts
❌ Common Misconceptions
“I don’t need physiotherapy after a fracture; the cast did the job.”
The cast heals the bone — rehab restores mobility and strength.
“Dislocations heal on their own.”
A dislocated joint becomes LOOSER. Without rehab, it can dislocate again.
“Pain means I should stop exercising.”
Some mild discomfort is normal. Sharp pain is not. A physiotherapist will guide you.
🏥 How Beyond Physiotherapy Helps With Fractures & Dislocations Rehab
Beyond Physiotherapy is one of the leading physiotherapy networks in the Lower Mainland, with clinics in:
Surrey
Langley
White Rock
Abbotsford
Their rehab programs are evidence-based, personalized, and designed to help patients return to normal life quickly and safely.
Here’s how they support patients:
🟦 1. Personalized Assessment
Each patient receives:
Detailed physical examination
Range-of-motion assessment
Strength testing
Medical history review
X-ray/MRI interpretation guidance
They create a custom rehab plan based on your injury type and recovery stage.
🟪 2. Pain Relief Techniques
To reduce pain and inflammation, Beyond Physiotherapy may use:
Laser therapy
Shockwave therapy
Ultrasound
TENS / IFC
Hot & cold therapy
Soft tissue release
These methods speed up tissue healing.
🟩 3. Controlled Strengthening Programs
Targeted exercises help:
Build strength
Improve joint stability
Correct movement patterns
Prevent future injuries
Programs evolve gradually based on progress.
🟧 4. Joint Mobilization & Manual Therapy
Hands-on therapy is essential after immobilization to:
Improve joint movement
Reduce stiffness
Improve circulation
Restore mobility
🟥 5. Balance, Coordination & Proprioception Training
This helps patients regain:
Body awareness
Joint control
Functional strength
It’s critical for preventing falls and re-injury.
🟫 6. Return-to-Work & Return-to-Sport Training
Beyond Physiotherapy prepares patients for:
Construction jobs
Office work
Sports
Gym training
Daily household activities
Your physiotherapist ensures you are fully ready, not just “pain-free.”
🧭 Real-Life Example
Case Study: Wrist Fracture (40-year-old office worker)
6 weeks in a cast
Severe stiffness and weak grip after removal
Could not type properly
Rehab plan included:
Soft tissue mobilization
Wrist joint mobilization
Grip strengthening
Tendon gliding exercises
Outcome:
Full recovery in 10 weeks and back to normal work without pain.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does rehab take after a fracture?
Most fractures take 6–12 weeks, and full rehab may take 3–6 months depending on severity.
2. Can I start physiotherapy while still in a cast?
Yes! Early physiotherapy helps maintain circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent stiffness.
3. Do dislocations heal faster than fractures?
Usually yes, but dislocations carry a higher risk of recurring if not rehabilitated properly.
4. Is pain normal during rehab?
Mild discomfort is normal. Sharp or worsening pain is not — your therapist will adjust your plan.
5. Can I return to sports after a dislocation?
Absolutely, but only after completing strength and stability training to prevent re-dislocation.
6. When should I visit a physiotherapist after injury?
As soon as the joint/bone is stabilized or your doctor gives clearance. Early rehab prevents long-term problems.
7. Do all fractures require surgery?
No. Many fractures heal with a cast or brace. Only complex or displaced fractures need surgery.
🏁 Conclusion
Rehab after fractures and dislocations is essential for restoring strength, mobility, and confidence. With proper guidance, most people return to work, daily activities, and even sports without long-term issues.
If you’re recovering from a fracture or dislocation, don’t wait for the pain to go away on its own. The right treatment can speed up healing and prevent future complications.
📞 Call to Action
Ready to start your recovery?
Visit Beyond Physiotherapy in Surrey, Langley, White Rock, or Abbotsford for expert fracture and dislocation rehab.
👉 Book your appointment today!
👉 Restore strength, movement, and confidence — safely and faster.