Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovering from a fragility fracture takes time, patience, and the right support. But recovery is possible — and with appropriate rehabilitation, many people return to their previous levels of activity. Equally important is ensuring that treatment is started to prevent a second fracture.

What to Expect After a Fracture

The immediate aftermath of a fragility fracture will depend on the type and severity of the fracture. In general:

• Hip fractures typically require surgery (usually within 24–48 hours of admission) and a hospital stay of around 1–2 weeks, followed by inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation
• Wrist fractures may be treated with a cast and outpatient physiotherapy, though some require surgery
• Vertebral fractures are often managed conservatively (rest, pain management, physiotherapy) unless there is neurological involvement; some are treated with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty procedures

Pain management is a key part of early recovery. Adequate pain control allows earlier mobilisation, which is important for preventing complications and supporting rehabilitation.

The Role of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is central to recovery from a fragility fracture. A physiotherapist can:

• Assess your strength, balance, and mobility
• Design a safe, progressive exercise programme tailored to your fracture type and fitness level
• Teach safe movement techniques to avoid further fractures
• Help with mobility aids (walking frames, crutches, sticks) and advice on their use
• Address fear of movement (kinesiophobia), which is common after fractures
• Guide you through specific exercises to regain function in the affected area

Ask your GP or hospital team for a referral to physiotherapy as soon as possible after your fracture. In many hospitals, physiotherapy begins within days of a hip fracture surgery.

Returning to Activity Safely

It is natural to feel cautious about activity after a fracture. However, gradually increasing activity is important for:

• Maintaining and rebuilding muscle strength (which reduces future fall risk)
• Preventing deconditioning and loss of function
• Improving mood and mental wellbeing
• Stimulating bone remodelling and healing

Your physiotherapist will advise on a safe and gradual return to activities. In general:

• Start with gentle, supported movement and gradually progress
• Avoid high-impact activities until cleared by your physiotherapist or consultant
• For vertebral fractures specifically, avoid forward bending of the spine under load
• Walking is usually safe and beneficial at all stages of recovery

Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) in Ireland

A Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is a specialist service that identifies people who have had a fragility fracture, assesses their bone health, and ensures they receive appropriate treatment to prevent a second fracture. FLS is a “secondary fracture prevention” initiative.

FLS availability in Ireland is growing but not yet universal. In hospitals where an FLS exists, it is usually led by a specialist nurse or coordinator working with an orthopaedic or rheumatology team.

If an FLS is not available to you

If your hospital does not have an FLS, or if you have not been referred to one after a fracture, you can advocate for yourself:

• Ask the orthopaedic team before you are discharged: “Have I been assessed for osteoporosis and referred for secondary fracture prevention?”
• Contact your GP after discharge to arrange a bone density assessment and discuss osteoporosis treatment
• Ask for a referral to a rheumatologist or metabolic bone clinic if your fracture risk is complex

More information on secondary fracture prevention is available on our Secondary Fracture Prevention page.

Occupational Therapy

An occupational therapist (OT) can assess your home environment and daily activities, and recommend adaptations or aids to help you manage safely and independently during and after recovery. This may include:

• Home safety assessment and recommendations for adaptations (grab rails, raised toilet seats, etc.)
• Advice on managing daily tasks (dressing, cooking, bathing) with limited mobility
• Assistive equipment recommendations

OT referrals can be arranged through your GP or hospital team. In Ireland, occupational therapy services are available through the HSE in both hospital and community settings.