Avalon Laser Health | Avalon Laser Health Physiotherapy St. John's, NL

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Up Close and Too Personal: Tracking Our Physiotherapist’s Recovery Process

Following an evening of lobster and fun with her family, Estelle, our Physiotherapist, slipped and fell and got her own lobster claw to take home. With a fractured wrist that is currently in a cast, we tried to see the positive in an unfortunate situation. We realized this has provided an opportunity to review the mechanics and treatment of wrist fractures and track her progress.

Basically, there are different types of wrist fractures. The most common involves the radius bone on thumb side of wrist called Colles’ fracture. Fractures on the other side of wrist involving the lower ulnar bone, are less frequent and less well documented. Occasionally, both bones are fractured. Fractures that are not stable require surgery, but Estelle was fortunate that her fracture involved only the ulna.

The concern with this type of fracture is the powerful tendons and ligaments which can cause deformity, unless correctly reduced. Hence, the fancy Lobster Claw position.

Estelle’s fracture has been characterized with lots of swelling, which is a great concern to her. Atypically, Estelle’s hand is still swollen a lot, even after 2 weeks. Now, she’s back at clinic and we will initiate Low Intensity Laser Therapy to speed healing process. She will also add acupuncture to help reduce the swelling.

Just a reminder to all who suffer from similar injury, R.I.C.E- rest, ice, compression and elevation still applies. Here, the casting will provide compression and stabilize the fracture site. Elevation and rest is still encouraged. Remember, as your hand begins to feel better, it’s important to move it as much as you comfortably can. Keep your elbow and wrist moving as well. The rehabilitation phase will start once the cast is off in 3-4 week’s time.

It’ll be a new experience for Estelle to be on the receiving end of exercise therapy. We will keep you posted on how the treatments impact her injury healing process through her recovery.