Fractures & Dislocations

Fractures & Dislocations

A fracture or dislocation can affect more than movement immediately after an injury. Even after the bone or joint has been treated and stabilized, patients may experience stiffness, weakness, swelling, reduced balance, and difficulty returning to everyday activities.

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group provides coordinated orthopaedic care and rehabilitation for fractures, dislocations, and other bone and joint injuries. Our Physical and Occupational Therapy Centers focus on helping patients safely restore movement, strength, and functional independence as healing progresses.

What Are Fractures and Dislocations?

A fracture is a break in a bone, while a dislocation occurs when the bones forming a joint move out of their normal position. Depending on the injury, treatment may include casting, splinting, bracing, reduction, or surgery.

After the injury has been evaluated and appropriately treated, rehabilitation may be recommended to address stiffness, weakness, reduced mobility, or difficulty performing everyday activities.

How Can Physical and Occupational Therapy Help?

Physical and occupational therapy can help patients regain movement and function while respecting the healing process and any restrictions recommended by their orthopaedic provider.

Therapy may help patients:

• Restore flexibility after time in a cast, splint, brace, or sling
• Rebuild strength affected by injury or reduced activity
• Improve walking, balance, and coordination
• Restore movement and function in the shoulder, arm, hand, or wrist
• Improve the ability to safely perform daily activities
• Gradually return to work, recreation, and other activities

The goal is to support safe progress without placing unnecessary stress on the healing bone, joint, or surrounding tissues.

When Is Therapy Recommended After a Fracture or Dislocation?

Rehabilitation may be recommended when an injury affects movement, strength, balance, or everyday independence.

Therapy may be appropriate:

• After a cast, splint, brace, or sling is removed or reduced
• Following a dislocation that has been treated and stabilized
• After surgery to repair or stabilize a fracture or joint injury
• When stiffness limits normal movement
• When weakness affects walking, reaching, gripping, or lifting
• When assistance is needed to return to work or daily activities

The timing of therapy depends on the injury, treatment received, and stage of healing. Your orthopaedic provider will determine when it is safe to begin specific exercises, weight bearing, strengthening, or other activities.

What Happens During Physical and Occupational Therapy?

Treatment begins with an evaluation of movement, strength, balance, walking ability, and the patient's ability to perform everyday activities.

Physical therapy may include range-of-motion exercises, strengthening, balance training, walking instruction, and guidance on using crutches, a cane, or a walker.

Occupational therapy may focus on restoring upper-extremity function and helping patients safely perform activities such as dressing, bathing, writing, cooking, and work-related tasks.

The rehabilitation plan is adjusted as healing progresses and additional activities become safe.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

Recovery varies depending on the location and severity of the injury, whether surgery was required, and how the body heals.

Early rehabilitation may focus on maintaining safe movement and reducing stiffness. As recovery progresses, therapy may focus more on strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and returning to normal activities.

Progress may include walking more comfortably, improving the use of an injured arm or hand, returning to work, or resuming recreational activities. Follow-up appointments with the orthopaedic provider help determine when activity restrictions can be safely modified.

When Should I Seek Further Care?

Patients should report worsening pain, new numbness or tingling, significant swelling, or other unexpected symptoms during recovery.

For suspected fractures or dislocations, CSOG Express Care provides specialized walk-in evaluation for many bone and joint injuries. After diagnosis and treatment, physical and occupational therapy can help patients safely restore movement and return to everyday activities.

Contact Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group to learn more about fracture and dislocation care and rehabilitation services in Colorado Springs.