Burnaby Physio & Massage Therapy
Fracture Healing Treatment
Support Safe, Strong, and Confident Recovery After a Fracture
Fracture Healing Physiotherapy in Burnaby - EastWest Physiotherapy
A fracture can be a life-disrupting injury. Whether caused by a fall, sports injury, motor vehicle accident, or workplace trauma, broken bones affect far more than just the bone itself. Pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, joint restriction, and fear of movement are all common after a fracture, even once the bone has healed.
At EastWest Physiotherapy in Burnaby, our fracture rehabilitation programs are designed to help you recover safely, restore function, and return to daily activities with confidence. We focus not only on bone healing, but also on the muscles, joints, nerves, and movement patterns that are affected during and after immobilization.
What Is a Fracture?
A fracture occurs when a bone is subjected to a force greater than it can tolerate. This can result in hairline (stress) fractures, complete breaks, displaced or non-displaced fractures, or compression and impact fractures. Fractures can happen suddenly due to trauma or develop gradually from overuse or weakened bone. Common fracture sites include the wrist, ankle, foot, clavicle, ribs, spine, hip, and the long bones of the arms and legs. Medical imaging such as X-ray, CT, or MRI is typically used to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether immobilization, casting, bracing, or surgery is required.
Our Fracture Rehabilitation Approach at EastWest Physiotherapy
Every fracture rehab program begins with a one-to-one assessment in a private treatment room. We look beyond the X-ray and assess:
- Joint mobility above and below the fracture
- Muscle strength and coordination
- Gait and movement patterns
- Pain levels and swelling
- Functional limitations (work, sport, daily life)
From there, we build a progressive, evidence-based treatment plan.
What to Expect During Fracture Physiotherapy
Initial Assessment
- Review of imaging and medical clearance
- Movement and strength evaluation
- Goal-setting based on your lifestyle
Ongoing Treatment
- Progressive exercises matched to healing stage
- Manual therapy as tolerated
- Education on safe loading and activity progression
- Clear, simple exercises to support recovery between visits
The Stages of Fracture Healing
Understanding healing timelines helps set realistic expectations:
Inflammatory Phase (0-2 weeks)
Pain, swelling, and protection dominate Focus is on gentle movement, circulation, and pain control
Reparative Phase (2-6 weeks)
New bone (callus) begins forming Gradual reintroduction of movement and muscle activation
Remodeling Phase (6 weeks to several months)
Bone strengthens and adapts to load Progressive strengthening, balance, and functional retraining
Benefits of Physiotherapy After a Fracture
Physiotherapy can help you:
- Restore joint mobility after casting or bracing
- Rebuild strength lost during immobilization
- Reduce lingering pain and stiffness
- Improve circulation and tissue health
- Prevent long-term weakness or compensation
- Return to work, sport, and daily activities safely
- Reduce risk of re-injury
Early, guided rehab helps prevent fractures from becoming chronic movement problems.
Common Conditions We Treat After Fracture
Our Burnaby physiotherapists regularly help patients recover from:
- Wrist and forearm fractures (distal radius, ulna)
- Ankle and foot fractures
- Tibia, fibula, and knee-related fractures
- Clavicle and shoulder fractures
- Rib fractures
- Spinal compression fractures
- Hip and pelvic fractures
- Post-surgical fracture fixation (plates, screws, pins)
- Stress fractures related to sport or overuse
Each fracture is different, and so is each recovery plan.
Fracture Treatment Techniques We Use
Manual Therapy
Gentle hands-on techniques to restore joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and improve tissue flexibility after immobilization.
Exercise Therapy
Targeted strengthening and mobility exercises to rebuild muscle, improve joint control, and restore confidence in movement.
Electrotherapy
Used to help manage pain, reduce swelling, and stimulate circulation in the early stages of recovery.
Acupuncture / Dry Needling
May be used to reduce pain, improve local blood flow, and address compensatory muscle tension.
Super Inductive System (SIS) - Advanced Physiotherapy Modality
Once diagnosed with a fracture, the innovative Super Inductive System can assist with speeding up the healing process, as long as there is no metal in the area.
Balance & Functional Training
Essential for lower-limb fractures to restore stability, walking mechanics, and fall prevention.
Why Choose EastWest Physiotherapy for Fracture Rehabilitation in Burnaby?
- One-to-one physiotherapy care
- Private treatment rooms
- Advanced rehab technology including SIS
- Experience with ICBC, WorkSafeBC, and post-surgical rehab
- Convenient location near Brentwood and North Burnaby
Frequently Asked Questions - Fracture Healing Physiotherapy
How soon after a fracture can I start physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy can often begin during immobilization with gentle exercises for surrounding joints, or immediately after cast removal or surgery, once cleared by your doctor.
Can physiotherapy help even if my bone has already healed?
Yes. Many people continue to experience stiffness, weakness, or pain long after the bone has healed. Physiotherapy helps restore normal movement and strength.
Will physiotherapy make my fracture heal faster?
Physiotherapy optimizes recovery, prevents complications, and helps you regain function sooner and more safely. The Advanced Physiotherapy Modality (Super Inductive System) can speed up the healing of your fracture, as long as there are no metal implants in the area.
Is physiotherapy painful after a fracture?
Treatment is always adapted to your tolerance and healing stage. Some discomfort is normal, but therapy should never feel unsafe or aggressive.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No referral is required to see a physiotherapist in British Columbia, but medical clearance may be needed depending on your fracture and stage of healing.
Book Fracture Physiotherapy in Burnaby
If you’ve suffered a fracture and want to recover safely, confidently, and completely, our team is here to help.
Book your fracture rehabilitation assessment at EastWest Physiotherapy Burnaby today and take the next step toward full recovery.