Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy and Getting Back to Moving

I’m giving this a page of its own and it will be a short one.

I don’t have medical qualifications so I won’t go into physiotherapy specifically.

The only thing I will say is that linking up with a good physiotherapist is vital to your recovery and that can’t be overstated.

In my own situation, what I realised, was that I could do more than I thought I could do, and progression was quicker than expected.

There will be pain unfortunately and you must work hard and be disciplined, but if you can, find a good physiotherapist who has the right knowledge and experience to understand your injury, identify the areas to work on, and who will get you moving.

Unfortunately, a lot of people experience more pain, at least at first, when they get down to serious physio and weight-bearing. You might have days where you need to give it a break and there will be times when it doesn’t make sense to go through the pain. Use pain as your guide and don’t overdo it.

A few things I would mention that most Pilon Fracture sufferers would agree on:

  • finding a good PT is vital for your recovery. The right PTs will put you through paces and not take any shit!

  • don’t rush it - for the most part, it is a good idea to keep your PT in line with your surgeon or consultant’s advice.

  • if it’s very sore and very swollen, take a break, even for a couple days. Listen to your body.

  • recovery may not always be ‘linear’ - you might have a weeks here and there where you don’t make much progress, or maybe no progress at all. It’s OK.

  • Use painkillers if they are safe to use (take doctor advice). There’s no need to suffer if you don’t need to. It won’t be forever

  • If interested, discuss things like hydrotherapy which you might be able to do alongside regular PT.

Walk Strong - Avoid the Limp
When I’m weight-bearing and I’m trying to walk, and I feel myself limping, I sometimes imagine that there is someone who doesn’t like me watching me in the distance. I straighten myself up, puff my chest out, look to the distance, and walk strong, (heal first, striding properly as possible) the way I will confidently again some day soon :)

Public and free hospital physio services may not be enough for an injury of this type. That will depend on the hospital and care on offer. It’s not cheap but it’s worth it..good luck :)