Physical Therapy for Hip Fractures After an Accident  

One of the most serious injuries someone can become victim to is a hip fracture. Hip fractures often occur after a car accident, a slip and fall, or other traumatic accidents. Unfortunately, older adults are particularly prone to hip fractures, because as we get older, our bones become more brittle, and we grow less sure footed.  

While healing a hip fracture almost always involves surgery and a stay in the hospital, quality recovery demands additional rehabilitation. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in regaining mobility, rebuilding strength, walking, and overall quality of life.  

If you or someone you love has suffered from a hip fracture, ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic can provide the hip fracture physical therapy you need to get back on your feet and get back to life.  

Understanding Hip Fractures After an Accident  

A hip fracture is a full or partial break in the thighbone (femur) near where the bone meets the pelvis. They are more common in the elderly due to bone loss, vision problems, and balance issues.  

The majority of hip fractures happen to people over 60, although hip fractures can happen at any age, especially during automobile accidents. In almost all cases, hip fractures will be treated with surgery, followed by physical therapy.  

One of the major causes of hip fractures is a condition called osteoporosis, a disease where bone density is lost due to factors such as aging. Women are more affected than men, and Caucasians and Asians are at increased risk.  

Additional risk factors can include taking certain medications that make it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients, nutritional problems and lifestyle, and other medical conditions.  

Why Physical Therapy Is Essential for Recovery  

Our bodies are incredible machines but when facing an injury, they don’t always heal perfectly on their own. After an injury of this nature, physical therapy is essential to rebuild lost strength, restore range of motion, minimize blood clots, and overall, ensure the body heals properly. Hip fracture physical therapy is a systematic way to restore function.  

Additionally, physical therapy will help you or your loved ones relearn everyday activities that have been affected by the injury, such as walking or ascending stairs. Physical therapy also helps patients learn to use mobility aids, like walkers and canes, as well, and can even teach you to prevent falls in the future.  

Over the course of therapy, your body will become stronger, more resilient, and less prone to complications.  

What To Expect During Your Physical Therapy Sessions 

Before any exercises happen at all, when you come to ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic, you’ll receive a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a tailored, individual treatment plan that acts as your roadmap to success. This ensures that you and your entire medical team understand your treatment, goals, and progress markers.  

Initial exercises will likely be slow movements that aim to build range of motion, balance, and strength. You may be assigned exercises to do with the assistance of our expertly trained physical therapists, as well as home exercises.  

Your treatment may also include manual manipulation techniques or massage, and you’ll often learn to use assistive mobility devices, like walkers and canes. At any time, you can ask questions to our friendly therapists, and many patients even come to look forward to sessions with us.  

Your therapist will continually evaluate your progress and make changes to your recovery plan as needed.  

How Long Does Physical Therapy for a Hip Fracture Last?  

The short answer is that it will take as long as it needs to. The long answer is much trickier — duration of physical therapy after an injury depends on a wide variety of factors, including age, fitness level, type of fracture, and more.  

Most patients, however, engage in active physical therapy after a hip fracture for three to six months, from one to three times per week.  

When Should You Start Physical Therapy?  

Physical therapy should begin as soon as possible after the accident following medical clearance to start. Time is of the essence. After an injury, your body will begin knitting itself back together almost immediately.  

To avoid complications and for the body to heal correctly, you should enter physical therapy as soon as your doctor or medical team says it is okay to do so. In addition, starting early will also likely shorten overall recovery time and pain.  

ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Supports Long-Term Healing and Independence in Las Vegas  

If you’ve suffered a hip fracture, contact us today with questions or for an appointment. Our therapists are among the best in the business, our facility is state-of-the-art, and we’re looking forward to serving you and your family.