What can be done and when?
Since every body is individual, no standard times can be predicted what is possible when again. The body’s own wound healing phase, during which broken tissue is repaired, is a rough guide to timing. The focus is always on the individual pain, which signals to the body what is feasible and what should be left.This must not be ignored and the extent and intensity of movements and exercises in the therapy are based on it.
It is also a helpful signal in everyday life. In general, loads such as heavy lifting and supporting on the hand should be avoided for the first few weeks until new bone mass has formed and stabilized. From the beginning, all adjacent joints such as wrist, elbow and fingers should be moved regularly to avoid relieving postures and to prevent stiffening of the joints. Furthermore, adapted movement supports the circulation in the body and thus the healing process – cell debris is better removed and swellings are reduced.
How long is the healing phase?
As described above, the complete healing of a hand fracture takes up to one year. However, it is possible to get back into everyday life much earlier. The plaster splint is worn for about four to six weeks. After that the healing process proceeds and the result is usually positive.
Further measures
Other measures to support the regeneration of a hand fracture include more passive measures such as massaging surrounding muscles, which can be tense due to the injury and the resulting relieving posture. Lymphatic drainage to remove swelling, electrotherapy and tape systems to relax muscles and regenerate structures also have a supportive effect. Heat and cold applications are also helpful, depending on the goal to reduce swelling, relieve pain or relax the structures.
Summary
The quite common hand fracture can be treated with a simple fracture without surgery with the help of physiotherapy, usually with positive results. A plaster cast is applied for four to six weeks and movement exercises are started early on. The initial treatment is based on the so-called “PECH rule“, where P stands for rest, E for ice, C for compression and H for high bearing.
Open and complicated fractures or those involving joints should be treated surgically. Simple fractures are immobilised with a plaster splint and regeneration is supported by physiotherapy. With active cooperation and observance of the rest periods, the patient can return to his or her old functional ability after a few months. An operation is only performed in more complicated cases.
