Osteopathy & Broken Bones

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Not many people would think of bringing their plastered broken wrist for an appointment with an osteopath. So here are some reasons why you might.

Broken bones require a good healthy blood supply for their healing and repair, just like any other tissue in the body. Also the efficient functioning of all of the relevant nerves supplying the area will impact on recovery.

Plastered limbs are heavier and of course less mobile and can create a substantial demand on the body. A sling around the neck for a broken arm will also have its impact on neck and shoulder function, potentially creating effects throughout the shoulder girdle, and head and neck relationship.

Huge forces go into the body to break a bone , and naturally the effects will travel further than just the broken part. Osteopaths are experts in assessing the range, quality and symmetry of the movements of the human body, and using their hands, can gently free tensions and make things more comfortable after accidents and whilst wearing a plaster.

The after effects…… Wearing a plaster for 6-10 weeks will lead to a number of changes to the area under the plaster. Muscle wasting is common and needs careful exercising to restore proper use patterns. More importantly shortening of ligaments and tendons a) from the immobilisation in plaster, and, b) scarring around the fracture site can limit the range of motion that can be performed with the limb.

After fractures we need to take care that full ranges of motion are restored to the affected areas. Unfortunately (in one sense) the human body is really good at adapting to changes forced upon it by wearing a heavy plaster. It learns to live with the new movement patterns, so after the plaster is removed, we may never recover our previous, normal, movement pattern.

Osteopaths can test for any residual restrictions and adaptations of the body and offer treatment and give exercises to ensure maximum, useful function is restored.

Osteopaths think this is especially important in growing children after fractures . Growing so fast, any factors that can influence the symmetry and balance of the patient may quickly start to impact on the overall shape of the whole developing body. The sooner easy, normal movement and use of the fractured limb is restored the better.

Broken wrists are common in children, it is really worth checking they have recovered full rotational movement of the forearm after the plaster has been removed. To test this get the child to hold both arms against their sides, with the elbow at right angles and forearms sticking out from the body in front. Next ask the child to turn the palms of both hands to face down towards the ground, and then up towards the ceiling. It's really important that the child can turn both palms fully down, and especially upwards. Both palms should be able to lie flat, facing the ceiling equally.

If the previously broken limb has poor movement ranges compared to the “good” one, you should consider taking the child for assessment by an osteopath, or other physical therapy specialist.

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If you require any further information or wish to discuss any problems you may have, please contact the Church Street Practice on 01225 868282, or book in for a free 15 minute consultation.