When a child’s fracture heals, the first thing parents often ask is — “Doctor, can my child start walking, running, or playing again?”
The answer depends not just on the bone’s healing, but also on how well the muscles, joints, and coordination recover.
That’s where physiotherapy and rehabilitation play a crucial role.
As a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, I always remind parents that the healing process doesn’t end when the cast comes off — it continues through carefully guided physiotherapy.
1. Why Physiotherapy Is Essential after Fractures
Fracture treatment focuses on uniting the broken bone. Physiotherapy focuses on bringing back function, strength, and flexibility.
After weeks of immobilization in a cast or brace:
- Muscles weaken due to inactivity.
- Joints become stiff.
- The child may feel fearful to move the limb again.
Physiotherapy helps the child regain normal motion, confidence, and independence — safely and systematically.
2. Key Goals of Physiotherapy in Children
A pediatric physiotherapy plan aims to:
- Restore joint flexibility and range of motion.
- Improve muscle strength and endurance.
- Enhance balance, posture, and coordination.
- Prevent stiffness, deformity, or unequal limb use.
- Rebuild the child’s confidence to return to daily and sports activities.
Each plan is custom-designed depending on the fracture type, age of the child, and stage of recovery.
3. Stages of Physiotherapy after Fracture Healing
Stage 1: Early Mobility (Right after Cast Removal)
- Gentle passive and active movements.
- Light stretching to reduce stiffness.
- Focus on pain-free range of motion.
Stage 2: Strength Building (2–4 weeks post cast removal)
- Resistance bands and light weights.
- Simple functional exercises (lifting, grasping, stepping).
- Encouragement to use the limb normally in play and daily activity.
Stage 3: Balance & Coordination Training
- Activities like standing on one leg, gentle walking, or ball games.
- Re-educates the brain and body to move in sync again.
Stage 4: Advanced Rehabilitation (as advised)
- For older children or athletes, gradual return to sports drills or specific strength programs.
- Focus on preventing re-injury.
4. Role of Parents during Physiotherapy
Parents are an integral part of the healing journey.
You can help your child by:
- Encouraging daily exercise, even when progress feels slow.
- Ensuring sessions are done under proper guidance.
- Providing emotional support — motivation works better than pressure.
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and protein to aid muscle recovery.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid after Fracture Healing
❌ Skipping physiotherapy assuming the bone has “already healed.”
❌ Starting sports or strenuous activities too early.
❌ Relying only on home exercises without professional guidance.
❌ Ignoring mild pain or stiffness during movement.
Each of these can lead to delayed recovery, joint stiffness, or long-term deformity.
6. Benefits of Early & Guided Physiotherapy
- Faster return to normal daily activities.
- Better mobility and flexibility.
- Improved muscle tone and joint stability.
- Reduced pain and swelling.
- Prevention of re-fracture due to weak muscles or imbalance.
Early intervention under expert supervision makes a significant difference in the overall outcome.
7. Collaboration between the Orthopedic Surgeon and Physiotherapist
At specialized centers, pediatric orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists work hand-in-hand.
Together, they:
- Design age-appropriate recovery plans.
- Track bone healing progress with imaging.
- Modify exercises based on the child’s comfort and progress.
This integrated approach ensures safe, efficient, and holistic recovery.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy is not just a follow-up after fracture treatment — it’s an essential part of healing itself.
When guided properly, children recover not only stronger bones but also better flexibility, confidence, and coordination.
As a pediatric orthopedic specialist, I encourage parents to view physiotherapy as the bridge between healing and complete recovery. It’s what helps a child move — and live — freely again.