Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
-
Chat With Us
+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
ORIF
ORIF of the Forearm
Physiotherapy following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of the forearm is crucial to restore movement, strength, and function. After surgery, your physiotherapist will design an individualised rehabilitation programme to gradually improve range of motion, reduce stiffness, and strengthen the surrounding muscles to help you return to normal daily activities.
Forearm fractures occur when one or both of the forearm bones—the radius and ulna—are broken. These injuries commonly result from a fall onto an outstretched hand or from a direct impact to the forearm. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and visible deformity. The severity and location of the fracture can vary, with common types including distal radius fractures near the wrist, mid-shaft fractures along the length of the bones, proximal fractures near the elbow, and more complex injuries such as Monteggia or Galeazzi fractures, which involve dislocations in addition to the bone break. Proper assessment and treatment are essential to restore function and prevent long-term complications.
Forearm fractures can be classified as either non-displaced, where the bones remain in their correct alignment, or displaced, where the bones are out of position. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. Non-displaced fractures are typically managed with immobilisation using a splint or cast, followed by physiotherapy to restore movement and strength. In more severe cases, where the bones are displaced, surgical intervention is required. This usually involves Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of the radius, ulna, or both bones to realign and stabilise them, allowing proper healing and a better functional outcome.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery is performed in an operating theatre, usually under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, an incision is made over the fracture site. If both the radius and ulna are affected, separate incisions are made for each bone. The fractured bones are then realigned (open reduction) and stabilised using pins, screws, and/or wires (internal fixation). The incisions are closed with sutures or stitches. Depending on the case, the pins or screws may remain in place permanently or be removed at a later stage. Undergoing ORIF soon after a displaced forearm fracture is crucial as it helps reduce pain, prevent deformity, support proper healing, and avoid further complications.
Physiotherapy is essential once the fracture site has sufficiently healed, as it maximises the success of ORIF surgery and promotes the restoration of full—or near-full—forearm function. It helps improve range of motion, strength, and coordination, while also reducing stiffness and preventing long-term complications.
Symptoms after ORIF of the Forearm
After undergoing ORIF of the forearm, you can expect pain, swelling, and reduced mobility in the affected arm. Initially, modalities will be provided to manage pain, and your forearm should be elevated to reduce swelling and improve circulation. A sling will be supplied for support, protection, and elevation during the early postoperative period. Forearm bones generally take 6–8 weeks to heal sufficiently. During this time, you will experience decreased function, strength, and muscle control due to the multiple muscle attachments in the area. Physiotherapy should begin as early as possible to encourage gentle movement and facilitate a smooth recovery. However, a full and intensive physiotherapy programme can only commence once the fracture site has adequately healed. Full and painless arm function is necessary before you can safely resume activities such as driving.
Physiotherapy after ORIF of the Forearm
Physiotherapy should begin as soon as possible following ORIF surgery to help reduce pain and stiffness, restore mobility, improve range of movement, and rebuild strength in your affected forearm. A tailored rehabilitation programme with acephysiosports.com will support you in regaining full—or near full—function while helping to prevent future complications. Recovery may take four months or longer, depending on the severity of your injury. Your personalised physiotherapy programme will include specific goals such as:
- Restoring full range of motion in the wrist, elbow, and forearm
- Rebuilding strength in the muscles surrounding the fracture site
- Improving coordination and fine motor control of the hand and forearm
- Reducing pain and swelling through targeted exercises and modalities
- Gradually returning to daily functional activities and work tasks
- Preventing stiffness and contractures in the affected joints
- Enhancing overall upper limb function for sports or occupational activities
0-4 weeks
During the first month following your ORIF surgery, physiotherapy with acephysiosports.com will focus on reducing pain and swelling while encouraging gentle movement to maintain range of motion in your affected arm. Your programme will include carefully guided exercises to gradually reintroduce activity, alongside strategies to preserve strength and mobility in your opposite arm. Education on safe positioning, proper use of a sling or brace, and activity modification will also form an important part of your recovery, ensuring a safe and effective return to daily tasks.
- Gentle active and passive range of motion exercises for the wrist, elbow, and forearm
- Pain and swelling management using ice, elevation, and appropriate modalities
- Light isometric exercises to maintain muscle activation without stressing the fracture site
- Functional tasks to maintain mobility in the unaffected arm
- Education on safe positioning, splint or sling use, and activity modification
- Gradual introduction to daily activities to prevent stiffness and maintain independence
5-8 weeks
In the second month of your rehabilitation with acephysiosports.com, physiotherapy will build on the progress made during the initial weeks. The focus will be on continuing and gradually increasing exercises to control pain and swelling, enhance range of motion and flexibility, and strengthen the muscles around your forearm. Therapy will also emphasise improving coordination and control to support functional use of the arm. Sessions may include targeted stretching, strengthening exercises, gentle resistance work, and functional tasks to prepare your arm for daily activities and more demanding movements.
- Continued gentle mobilization exercises to improve range of motion
- Stretching exercises for forearm and wrist muscles
- Strengthening exercises using light resistance bands or weights
- Functional tasks to improve coordination and control of the forearm
- Pain and swelling management techniques, such as ice or elevation
- Education on posture and arm positioning to protect the healing tissues
9-12 weeks
During the third month of your rehabilitation, your physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will build on the progress made in previous weeks. The focus will be on reducing any remaining pain, improving the range of movement, and increasing strength in your affected arm. At this stage, your rehabilitation will also incorporate exercises to enhance cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance, alongside functional activities that mimic daily tasks and occupational demands. Your physiotherapist will continue to guide you in managing swelling and pain while providing education on safe movement strategies to prevent future injury.
- Advanced strengthening exercises for the forearm, wrist, and hand muscles
- Endurance training for the upper limb to restore functional stamina
- Progressive range of motion exercises to achieve near-full mobility
- Functional tasks that mimic daily activities or occupational demands
- Cardiovascular exercises adapted to your current level of recovery
- Continued pain and swelling management techniques as needed
- Education on proper ergonomics and movement strategies to prevent reinjury
3 months onwards
Following three months of successful rehabilitation with acephysiosports.com, you will experience minimal, if any, pain or swelling, and will have seen significant improvements in the function and strength of your forearm. At this stage, your physiotherapy will continue to build on previous exercises, focusing on progressively increasing resistance in strengthening exercises to further improve muscle strength. With full range of movement restored, the programme will aim to maintain and enhance flexibility in both upper limbs. Cardiovascular activities such as hydrotherapy, arm cycling, jogging, and cross-training (x-trainer) can be incorporated to improve overall fitness, muscular endurance, and personal wellbeing. acephysiosports.com will also integrate functionally specific exercises for your hand, wrist, and forearm to promote independence and support everyday activities.
The success of your recovery following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery of the radius and ulna will largely depend on your commitment to your physiotherapy programme, as well as the severity of your fracture prior to surgery. Full recovery typically takes around three to four months.
Summary
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of the forearm is a surgical procedure used to treat fractures of the radius and ulna. Forearm fractures occur when one or both bones break, often due to a fall onto an outstretched hand or from direct trauma. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the fracture: if the bones remain in place (non-displaced), conservative management with immobilisation and physiotherapy is usually sufficient. However, if the bones are out of position (displaced), ORIF surgery is required to realign and stabilise the bones using screws or plates. Physiotherapy after ORIF is essential to optimise recovery, reduce pain and stiffness, promote healing, and restore mobility and function in the forearm. A personalised physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will help you regain full or near-full function and return to your usual activities as quickly as possible. Call +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment.
Get treated today!
We have immediate appointments available today. Contact us to make an appointment.
Find out more »
We are open...
Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
Find your nearest clinic
Acephysio Sports have clinics located throughout the Singapore.
Find out more »
