When a child suffers a break — especially of a joint as crucial as an elbow — prompt and effective treatment is essential. At Bramalea Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre, we know how important it is for children to heal well without losing their mobility or comfort. The elbow brace is one device that greatly helps people in this process.
Why Elbow Braces Matter After a Fracture
With more energy to burn, children sometimes put themselves in harm’s way. An elbow fracture, whether from a playground mishap, sports, or a simple fall, may have considerable impacts on the function of the arm if not adequately treated.
After the first immobilization stage is over—wherein a cast or splint is mainly worn, and adequate bone healing has begun to take place—an elbow brace becomes imperative for proceeding through the next phase of recovery. It supports the joint moving, controlling movement and preventing re-injury as your child regains strength and range slowly.
Key Benefits of Elbow Braces in Pediatric Recovery
Controlled Movement: Whether fixed or adjustable, the range of motion is limited with an elbow brace during this phase. That prepares the tender joint gradually, moving without overstraining.
Stabilization: You may feel increased looseness in your joint after a fracture. A brace provides the structure necessary to help your child feel comfortable using their arm once more.
Prevention of Further Injury: Children resume activity comparatively quickly. Bracing, on the other hand, also supports and protects healing tissue from reinjury with any sudden or improper movement.
Customized Comfort: Braces for kids are lightweight and breathable, while being designed to fit a smaller limb. This increases the likelihood that children will wear them as directed.
When Is It Time for a Brace?
At Bramalea Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre, we evaluate each child on an individual basis to determine when to progress from a cast or splint to a brace. Usually, it happens when the bone has already begun to heal, but needs outside help, even with activity.
Braces are beneficial:
- During physiotherapy exercises
- Back to School or Play
- Preventing backslides in the final weeks of recovery
Combining Bracing with Physiotherapy
Bracing is only the start of a successful recovery. The Importance Of Physiotherapy Include:
- Restoring range of motion
- Improving strength and flexibility
- Teaching safe movement patterns
- Following the progress and modifying the plan of rehab whenever necessary
Our pediatric physiotherapists design individualized programs for every child to aid in their safe and optimal return to the activities of daily living.
Final Thoughts
When children do bounce back quickly, it only happens with well-managed recovery. Correct elbow braces, used correctly at the proper time, are a complete game changer in the road to recovery following a fracture. At Bramalea Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre, we can help guide parents and children all the way through.
If your child is healing from ankylosis of the elbow, make an appointment with us for our brace and physical therapy system.
For additional information regarding our pediatric injury rehab and elbow bracing gear in Bramalea, get in touch with us today.