Physiotherapy is an integral part of rehabilitation measures in the case of a pelvic fracture. What the individual treatment plan for the patient looks like depends mainly on the type and extent of the pelvic fracture. A stable pelvic fracture can usually be treated completely conservatively, whereas unstable pelvic fractures always require surgery and take a longer time to heal completely. Physiotherapy usually begins with passive exercises, as the pelvis must not be loaded. Manual therapy, massages, MTT (Medical Training Therapy) and PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Fasciation) are also therapy techniques that can be used during physiotherapy.
Rehabilitation therapy for a pelvic fracture
The rehabilitation measures or the subsequent therapy for a pelvic fracture depend on the type and extent of the injury as well as the age and general state of health of the patient. It is also important whether the treatment was conservative from the outset (as in the case of stable pelvic fractures) or whether the rehabilitation was preceded by surgery (as in the case of unstable fractures or polytraumas). As a rule, patients who have suffered a pelvic fracture must first of all observe strict bed rest, as the damaged pelvis must be completely relieved for at least 2-4 weeks.
However, even if the patient is supposed to spare the pelvis, the therapy already starts on the first day. Specially trained therapists ensure that the mobility of the pelvis is maintained as far as possible. This is ensured by passive exercises, in which the therapist carefully moves the pelvis without the help of the patient in order to maintain the flexibility of the surrounding structures and muscles.
Once the first phase of healing is complete and the patient is able to exert pressure again, the regressed muscles are rebuilt with light tensing exercises. Exercise therapy in water is also important to restore the mobility of the pelvis after the long period of rest. Under certain circumstances the patient may have to relearn to walk normally again, therefore movement training as well as manual training therapy may also be part of rehabilitation.
When a normal sequence of movements is possible again, the aim is specifically to strengthen the muscles and restore the stability of the pelvis so that the affected persons can once again master their everyday life without any problems and independently without any restrictions. Depending on the severity and concomitant injuries, the entire rehabilitation process can take several months. In order to avoid consequential damage, patients should only start playing sports on their own again after obtaining the permission of a doctor. In order to prevent injuries in the long term, it makes sense for the patient to carry out the exercises learned during the rehabilitation process independently at home.
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