Rehabilitation after a fracture

After a fracture, the bone is kept still until it heals: a few days in a splint for some fractures, several weeks in a plaster cast for others. This forced rest often makes the joint stiff and the muscles waste away: rehabilitation gets them working again.

Areas concerned: Elbow and hand

Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

Common signs

Stiff joint when the cast or splint comes off
Weaker, thinner muscles, from not being used
Pain and swelling around the broken bone
Difficulty using the hand or arm

When to see a doctor

Cast that seems too tight, or pain under the cast that gets worse or does not go away: call a doctor or go to the emergency department straight away
New numbness or weakness in the hand or fingers: call a doctor or go to the emergency department straight away
Skin of the injured limb that is cold or turning blue: emergency department
Cast that smells bad, or fever
Bone visible through a wound: go to the emergency department without moving the limb

What physiotherapy does

Rehabilitation aims to gradually recover the mobility, strength, coordination and function of the limb concerned, while respecting the conditions for the bone to heal. In particular, it helps limit the effects of being kept still, prevent stiffness and prepare the return to daily, work or sports activities. Treatment can start before the cast is removed, when this is allowed, by working on the free joints and the muscle abilities that have been preserved.

Techniques used at the practice

Progressive mobilisations, muscle strengthening, management of swelling, proprioception, balance and rehabilitation of walking or functional movements depending on the fracture.

How the sessions go

An initial assessment evaluates mobility, strength, pain and functional abilities. A personalised programme is then drawn up according to how the fracture progresses and the medical recommendations.

My pain diaryFill it in every day, show it at your session

Advice

Follow medical instructions, do the prescribed exercises and gradually return to activities without putting excessive strain on the fractured area.

Sources

Présentation des fractures (new tab)Manuels MSD pour le grand public, accessed October 26, 2026
Fracture du poignet de l'adulte : quel traitement ? (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
Fracture du poignet de l’adulte : symptômes et diagnostic (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026