South Edmonton Location
Post-fracture rehabilitation in Edmonton
Rehabilitation in Edmonton after a wrist, ankle, elbow, shoulder, hip or collarbone fracture, once the cast is off or the repair is stable. Early work restores joint movement and reduces swelling; later work rebuilds strength for the specific tasks the injury interrupted.
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What post-fracture rehabilitation is
When a cast comes off or a surgical repair is stable, the bone is usually healed but the rest is not: the joint is stiff, the muscles around it have shrunk, the skin and tissues are sensitive, and you are not sure what is safe to do. Post-fracture rehabilitation at Vertex takes over at that point. It restores range, rebuilds strength and gets you back to the things the fracture interrupted, for wrist, ankle, elbow, shoulder, hip, collarbone and other fractures, in coordination with your surgeon or fracture clinic.
What happens first
The physiotherapist reviews the fracture, the treatment it had and any restrictions from the surgeon or fracture clinic, then assesses the joint’s range, swelling, strength and how you are using the limb. Bring your discharge letter or the fracture clinic’s instructions if you have them.
Early work is gentle: restoring joint movement, reducing swelling, and teaching you what you can start doing at home. Progress is quicker than most people expect once the stiffness begins to give.
Rebuilding strength and function
As range returns, the emphasis shifts to strength and to the specific tasks you need: gripping and lifting after a wrist fracture, walking and stairs after an ankle or hip fracture, reaching overhead after a shoulder or collarbone fracture. Loading is graded to what the bone and the repair can tolerate at each stage.
For older adults after a hip or wrist fracture, balance and falls prevention are built in, because the next fall is the thing most worth preventing.
Fractures we commonly rehabilitate
Stress fractures and bone stress injuries in athletes are managed separately; see bone stress injury.
- Wrist (distal radius) and scaphoid fractures
- Ankle and fibula fractures, with or without surgery
- Elbow and radial head fractures
- Shoulder, humerus and collarbone fractures
- Hip fractures after surgical repair
- Metatarsal, toe and finger fractures
- Vertebral compression fractures
Questions people ask
When should I start physiotherapy after a fracture?
As soon as the cast is off or the surgeon clears movement, and sometimes before — the joints above and below a cast can be kept moving from the start. Earlier is generally better for stiffness.
Why is my joint so stiff?
Weeks of immobilisation shorten the joint capsule and surrounding tissues, and the muscles lose bulk quickly. Stiffness is expected and improves with treatment and consistent home exercise; it is not a sign something went wrong.
Is it safe to load the bone?
Once the surgeon or fracture clinic confirms healing, progressive loading is what the bone and muscle need. The physiotherapist grades it and works within any restrictions you were given.
How long does rehabilitation take?
Simple wrist and ankle fractures often need four to eight weeks of rehabilitation after the cast; hip and shoulder fractures and surgical repairs take longer. You will get an estimate at the first visit and updates as you progress.
Is it covered by benefits?
Yes, as physiotherapy. If the fracture happened at work or in a car accident, WCB or Section B usually covers rehabilitation as part of the claim. No referral is needed for extended health plans.
Will I get full movement back?
Most people regain functional range and strength. Some fractures, particularly those involving the joint surface, leave a small permanent loss of range, and the physiotherapist will be honest about what to expect for yours.
Book an assessment
Vertex Physiotherapy is at 6958 76 Ave NW #205, Edmonton, AB T6B 2R2. Call (825) 525-2852 or book online. No referral is needed. Direct billing to most extended health plans, WCB and Section B claims.