Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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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)
Fractured Shaft of Femur
Physiotherapy for a fractured shaft of femur
The femur, or thighbone, is one of the largest and strongest bones in the body, connecting the hip joint to the knee joint. A fracture of the shaft (middle) of the femur usually requires a substantial force due to the bone’s strength and surrounding muscles. Such fractures are serious injuries, most commonly resulting from high-speed car accidents or falls from a significant height.
Surgery is often required to treat a femoral shaft fracture. This may involve inserting a metal rod into the centre of the femur, known as an intramedullary rod, which is then secured with screws. This procedure provides stability to the bone, allowing for early mobilisation following your injury.
Physiotherapy before your surgery
A physiotherapist may visit you before your operation to provide information about the surgical procedure and teach you simple exercises to perform after surgery to aid your recovery. In some cases, a Thomas splint may be applied prior to the operation to reduce pain and minimise muscle spasms. This splint supports the hip and is secured to the leg with bandages.
Symptoms following your surgery
After your surgery, it is normal to experience pain, swelling, reduced movement, and decreased muscle strength. A physiotherapist will visit you one or two days after surgery to help make you as comfortable as possible and to teach you how to get in and out of bed safely and mobilise correctly. You will be provided with a walking aid (e.g., walking frame or crutches) to assist your walking. Your physiotherapist will also guide you through gentle exercises for your legs and ankles to support recovery.
Once you are moving safely on your own and your physiotherapist is confident in your mobility, you will be discharged home. This usually occurs 5–10 days after surgery, depending on your individual circumstances. Your physiotherapist will also advise you on specific movements to avoid, such as crossing your legs, while you are still recovering.
Physiotherapy following your surgery
Physiotherapy should continue after your operation to support and promote your recovery.
Physiotherapy at acephysiosports.com will help you maximise your potential in home, work, and social activities and support you in regaining your functional ability as quickly as possible.
During the initial stages of your recovery, physiotherapy helps to reduce pain and swelling and ensures you are comfortable while lying, sitting, and standing. Early mobilisation and partial weight-bearing are important during the first week to support recovery. You will need to use a walking aid for a period of time following surgery. Your physiotherapist will continue to assess your gait, both with and without assistive devices, and teach you the safest and most effective ways to mobilise.
As your pain settles, physiotherapy will focus on restoring hip joint range of motion and gradually strengthening your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. These exercises will also help improve your gait and support independence in everyday activities.
Your physiotherapist will create a treatment programme with short- and long-term goals to support and guide you throughout your recovery.
1-2 weeks
In the first few weeks, your physiotherapy programme will focus on controlling pain and gradually improving your range of movement. Treatment will include gentle passive and active exercises as well as gait training using your assistive device. Your physiotherapist will also continue to provide guidance on safe ways to get in and out of bed, on and off the toilet, and up and down stairs.
2-6 weeks
Your physiotherapy programme at acephysiosports.com will progress your previous exercises to strengthen the muscles around your hip joint. Exercises will be tailored to you and focused on everyday activities. Your physiotherapist will also introduce balance exercises to improve your mobility and confidence.
- Hip strengthening exercises – targeting glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings using resistance bands or bodyweight.
- Balance and proprioception training – exercises to improve stability and confidence while standing and walking.
- Functional task practice – practising everyday movements such as sit-to-stand, stair climbing, and reaching.
- Gait training – refining walking technique and reducing reliance on assistive devices.
- Range of motion exercises – to maintain and improve flexibility around the hip joint.
- Core strengthening – to support overall stability and posture.
6-12 weeks
You should anticipate a 6–12 week recovery period at home before resuming normal activities, depending on the extent of your surgery. Recovery times vary between individuals. At this stage, your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com will focus on restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, such as walking to the shops, completing household jobs, and gardening. Hydrotherapy can also be beneficial to maximise mobility and relax tight muscles, but this should only be started once your wound has fully healed.
Physiotherapy treatment will focus on progressing your exercises to continue strengthening the muscles around your hip. Exercises will also aim to improve balance, flexibility, and endurance. Activities to enhance your fitness levels may be included, such as walking, hydrotherapy, and gentle cycling.
12+ weeks
Compliance with your treatment programme is essential to support your recovery. The time it takes to return to your previous level of function will depend on your commitment and dedication to the programme.
At this stage, your physiotherapist will focus on returning you to the social or sporting activities that are important to you. Physiotherapy will support long-term improvements, helping you reach your maximum physical potential. Recovery may take up to 6 months, but physiotherapy will help restore movement and strength and get you back to your activities as quickly as possible.
Summary
For more information, call acephysiosports.com now on +65 8153 5374, or to book an appointment, please contact us.
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Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
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