22/09/2026
🦴 4 KEY WAYS TO SUPPORT FRACTURE HEALING
A fracture needs more than just time to heal. Your body requires the right mechanical stimulus, adequate nutrition, recovery and blood supply to support the healing process.
Here are some simple things you can do to give your bone the best possible environment for recovery:
1️⃣ Follow your loading plan
Your fracture needs an appropriate amount of mechanical loading. Too little can contribute to deconditioning, while progressing too quickly can overload healing tissue. Follow the weight-bearing and activity restrictions given by your consultant/physio and progress gradually.
2️⃣ Fuel your recovery 🍽️
Bone healing is an energy-demanding process.
Aim for: • Adequate overall calorie intake
• Regular protein throughout the day
• Approximately 1.6 g/kg/day of protein may be appropriate for many active individuals, although individual requirements vary
• Adequate calcium intake — around 1,000 mg/day for most adults
• Adequate vitamin D — supplementation may be appropriate if intake/sun exposure is low or deficiency is identified
A varied diet containing dairy/fortified alternatives, fish, eggs, meat, legumes, fruit and vegetables can help provide these nutrients.
3️⃣ Avoid smoking & va**ng 🚭
Smoking is associated with poorer fracture healing and an increased risk of delayed union/non-union. Ni****ne can also affect blood flow and bone-forming activity.
If you smoke or v**e, stopping during your recovery is one of the most useful things you can do for your bone health.
4️⃣ Prioritise sleep 😴
Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night as an adult.
Try to: • Keep a consistent sleep/wake schedule
• Give yourself enough time in bed
• Keep your bedroom dark, cool and quiet
• Limit caffeine later in the day
• Reduce screen exposure before bed
Good sleep supports normal recovery, pain regulation and the physiological processes involved in tissue repair.
🦴 Remember: fracture healing is individual. Fracture location, severity, blood supply, stability, age, nutrition, smoking status and overall health can all influence recovery time.
Rehabilitation SportsPhysio