Rehabilitation after fracture

After a fracture, especially a hip fracture, the body needs time to heal the bone itself and time to rebuild the muscle, balance, and confidence that may have been lost during the injury and any surgery. Rehabilitation usually starts in the hospital, often within a day or two of hip surgery, and continues through outpatient or home-based physical therapy.

A physical therapist typically guides you through stages: early gentle movement to prevent stiffness and blood clots, progressing to supported weight-bearing with a walker or crutches, then to independent walking, stair climbing, and strengthening exercises. Your surgeon or care team sets your weight-bearing status, meaning how much weight you're allowed to put on the healed area, and this guides what exercises are safe at each stage.

Rehab also addresses the reasons a fall or fracture happened in the first place, such as poor balance, weak muscles, vision problems, or home hazards. Many programs include balance training, gait training, and a home safety assessment. Decisions about pace, specific exercises, and when to advance should be made with your physical therapist and doctor, since every fracture and every person heals differently.