The Most Common Fractures

Many people seeking physio in Auckland require rehabilitation services following a fracture. It’s a form of treatment we’re experienced in dealing with, and with a high degree of success. Because we help so many people get mobile again after they’re suffered a broken bone, we thought we’d check out the most common fractures.

• The collarbone (clavicle), is probably the most frequently broken of all bones. It’s certainly the most common type of fracture in children and teens. In our experience, younger adults, teenagers, and children are more likely to break their collarbone from playing sports or in a car accident. As for seniors, they usually break their collarbones after a fall. Physiotherapy can improve stiffness and shoulder movement after a collarbone fracture.

• Next up is a wrist fracture and you won’t be surprised to read that older people suffer one as they put out their hands to try and lessen the impact of a fall. Kids are also prone to broken wrists as their young bones feel the impacts of youthful rough and tumble with friends, sports or falling from trees and shed roofs as they explore. Physiotherapy is great for restoring movement and strength in the wrist.

• Ankle fractures are common as well, particularly in middle-aged people. Car accidents, falls and rolling or twisting of the ankle can cause a break.

• Broken hips are common in older people as falls become a sad fact of life for many of them. However, did you know physiotherapy can help you maintain a better sense of balance and minimise the risk of falls? Contact us and ask what we can do to help you stay on your feet.

• Forearm fractures happen frequently in children and adults after a hard blow to the area during a sporting activity, or as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Falls are also to blame, which means we provide rehab to many older patients as well. Our therapy can restore movement to the arm and strengthen the muscles in the arm,

• Finally, we’re well used to helping people get over vertebral fractures. Vertebrae are the bones surrounding your spinal cord and protect it from injury. Vertebral fractures are common in people suffering from osteoporosis, a disease that gradually weakens bones. Affected bones can become so weak that even coughing or sneezing can fracture a vertebra.

We certainly hope you never break a bone – but if you do, we’ll be able to provide rehab when required and get you mobile again.