Physiotherapy After a Femoral Shaft Fracture

A femoral shaft fracture is a serious injury involving a break in the long, straight part of the thigh bone. Recovery often requires surgery with metal rods, plates, or screws to stabilize the bone. After surgery, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in restoring strength, mobility, and balance while preventing complications such as loss of range of motion, weakness, chronic pain, and loss of independence.

At Blue Space Physiotherapy in Toronto (North York), we provide individualized post-operative rehabilitation programs for femoral shaft fractures, helping patients return safely to walking, daily activities, general strengthening and FULL return to sport or work.

Phases of Recovery and Rehabilitation

Phase I: Early Recovery (0–2 Weeks)

Control pain and swelling
Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises for hip, knee, and ankle
Isometric contractions for quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteals
Education for safe transfers (bed, stairs, toilet)
Begin walking with assistive devices as directed

Phase II: Middle Phase (2–6 Weeks)

Wean off crutches or walker.
Improve joint movement and start active strengthening
Gradual increase in weight-bearing
Continued gait and balance training
Improve walking.

Phase III: Functional Rehabilitation (6–12 Weeks)

Be able to move around house and your daily activities without any cane/ crutches.
Improve muscle endurance, coordination
Begin low-impact aerobic exercise such as stationary cycling or brisk walking
Continue strengthenin

Phase IV: Return to Activity (12–24 Weeks)

Regain full strength and confidence
Regain balance.
Progress to low-impact conditioning
Sport or work-specific rehab with medical clearance

Atypical Femur Fractures and Osteoporosis Medications

Some fractures occur with little or no trauma and are known as atypical femur fractures. These are rare but may be associated with long-term use of certain osteoporosis medications like bisphosphonates. These medications are very effective for preventing typical fractures but may, after many years, lead to stress-type fractures in the thigh bone.

Medication Management After a Fracture

- You should talk to your specialist for specifics on medications management.
- Osteoporosis medications remain highly beneficial overall.
- Some patients may take a “drug holiday” if their fracture risk is low.

Physiotherapy at our clinic

At Blue Space Physiotherapy, we guide patients through every stage of recovery with:

Progressive mobility and strength training.
Return to day-to-day life without pain.
Restoring your gait and balance.
Restoring you to your baseline so you can return to your social and physical activities and sports!
Close coordination with orthopedic and medical teams.

Most patients regain independence and confidence through structured, personalized rehabilitation. If you’re recovering from a femur fracture or osteoporosis related injury, we can help you move safely and regain your quality of life.

About the author

Arjun Patel, PT, MScPT, MCPA is an orthopedic, neuro, and vestibular physiotherapist. He is the director of Blue Space Clinic Physiotherapy and sees complex cases on a daily basis. He is also an adjunct lecturer at the faculty of medicine at University of Toronto.

To learn more about Arjun and our clinic, click here!