Is Heat Good for a Broken Bone?

Is Heat Good for a Broken Bone?

Often as a physical therapist, I am asked, is heat good for a broken bone? The application of heat depends on the stage of healing of the bone, and the status of the surrounding soft tissue. Image of Is Heat Good for a Broken Bone

What are the Stages of Healing for a Broken Bone? 

• Acute inflammation and increased swelling and effusion in the site of injury mark the initial stage of healing. This occurs at the onset of injury and generally lasts for about 1-3 weeks. Blood is shunted towards the site, carrying inflammatory chemicals, which initiates healing in the area of the broken bone. It is in this stage that it is highly advised against applying heat to the affected area, as excessive swelling can cause increased pain and other complications. 
• The next stage of healing is identified by a soft callus formation between the fractured sites of bone. In this stage, swelling is decreased, and new healing bone begins to harden. This occurs in 4-8 weeks. Soft callus formation is not evident in X-rays.
• As the callus bone transforms and hardens, this marks the third stage. Hard callus formation typically occurs 8-12 weeks post-injury, and often evident in X-rays. 
• The final stage involves the remodeling of bone. Depending on the site of the fracture this could take several years. The type of stresses and loads determine the shape and strength of the bone.

If you want to learn more about fractures, go to The Effect of Heat on the Healing of Fractures.  This study showed an increase in callus formation of the bone when using heat to help the fracture heal. 

Image of a fracture

What is the Effect of Ice or Heat for Fracture?

Ice and heat have contrasting effects on the inflammation of the site of injury.  So, is heat or ice good for a broken bone? Applying ice to the site results in the constriction of blood vessels, reducing circulation and swelling.  It may also be effective in reducing pain. 

Applying heat would increase circulation to the injury site, and bring about the inflammatory properties that aim to heal the tissues. Moreover, heat can reduce muscle stiffness, and encourage movement.  Is heat good for the healing of a broken bone?  The answer is yes in the later stages of healing. 

When Should Heat or Ice be Applied to the Area of a Broken Bone?

• In the acute inflammation stage, it is advised to utilize cold therapy to control swelling. 
• In the soft callus formation stage, if swelling is severe, it is advisable to use ice if needed. 
• In the hard callus and remodeling stage, heat may be applied to the area.

So, is heat good for a broken bone?  The answer is to use heat in the remodeling stage of bone healing. 

Ice or Heat for Shoulder Pain

Ice or Heat for Shoulder injury pain

The concept of using Ice or heat for a broken bone is similar to using either with shoulder pain.  With a fresh injury, ice is typically helpful to manage inflammation, swelling, and pain.  Later in the recovery process, heat may be helpful to increase mobility and motion. 

Related Articles:

• When to Use Ice Or Heat
• 4 cardio workouts you can do with an injured leg

Fracture or Broken Bone Care in Jacksonville, FL

The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute is Northeast Florida's largest and most respected Orthopedic Practice.  We have offices throughout the area and 12 Rehabilitation Clinics for your convenience.  For physical therapy, please call 904-858-7045.  

If you think you have a broken bone or any other injury, JOI offers ASAP Fracture and Injury Care to get you treated quickly.

 You can also complete all of your new patient paperwork from home. To request registration paperwork electronically, click HERE.   

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a JOI Orthopedic/Fracture Specialist, Call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below. 

By: Genesis Villanueva, Physical Therapist JOI Rehab

Click HERE to watch our online scheduling video.