Sub-Acute Pain – The Weeks After The Fracture And Following Recovery
The acute pain that you may have felt immediately after the injury will decrease with time, but in the weeks after your fracture, some pain may continue and this is called sub-acute pain. This is mainly because the lack of movement that was necessary to help your bone heal has caused the soft tissue around the injury to stiffen and the muscles to weaken. In addition, scarring and ongoing inflammation may have developed in the soft tissue while the fracture was healing, which can also make movement difficult and cause pain.
Physical therapy is often recommended at this stage of recovery. A physical therapist can help:
- prevent or reduce the stiffness that can occur during fracture healing,
- provide exercises to strengthen weakened muscles and improve range of motion,
- break down scar tissue and reduce inflammation, and
- help to overcome fear of movement.
The points listed above help to reduce pain and improve the function of the injured body part. The physical therapist may use ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage or other modalities to help you recover from a fracture. Physical therapy may require you to do exercises.
Medication may also be used at this stage to help control pain or inflammation.
During this stage of recovery you may be advised by your doctor to begin using the injured body part as much as possible for your usual activities even though you may still have some pain. Gradually over the next few months, movements usually become easier and more comfortable and may eventually return to normal. Slowly, the pain may completely go away.
It is normal to be fearful of some movements or activities. The memory of the pain can be powerful and the fear of breaking another bone can often lead to anxiety and reduced general activity. Despite your fear, it is important to start some gentle movement at this time; it will not be harmful. If you are uncertain, see a Bone Fit™ trained healthcare professional in your area* or, if one is not available, a healthcare provider such as a physical therapist or occupational therapist, or talk to your doctor.
Your doctor or healthcare provider can advise you about what is reasonable for you to expect for your recovery. It is important to remember that at this stage you may have pain but that does not necessarily mean you are causing further harm. Your healthcare team will help you reduce your risk of a second fracture.
