What is a Vertebral Compression Fracture?
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when the front part of a vertebra collapses or compresses,
usually due to osteoporosis, trauma, or weakened bone structure.
This type of fracture often results in sudden back pain, reduced height, forward rounding of the spine, and movement limitations.
Rehabilitation is essential after medical stabilization to restore mobility, improve posture, and rebuild spinal support.
Symptoms
- Sudden onset of back pain, especially after bending or lifting
- Pain worsened by standing or walking, relieved by lying down
- Reduced height over time
- Stooped or hunched posture (kyphotic curve)
- Limited spinal mobility
- Muscle tension or spasms around the affected area
- Fatigue due to weakened posture and core support
Causes of Vertebral Compression Fracture
- Osteoporosis – the most common cause
- Trauma from falls, car accidents, or heavy lifting
- Spinal tumors or metastasis weakening vertebrae
- Age-related degeneration
- Long-term corticosteroid use contributing to low bone density
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging such as X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.
Clinical examination helps assess posture, mobility, pain severity, and functional limitations.
Physiotherapy begins only after fracture stability is confirmed by the treating physician.
Treatment & Rehabilitation Approach
At AwaHope, treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving posture, strengthening spinal support muscles,
and restoring safe functional movement.
Rehabilitation is tailored to the stage of healing and the patient’s overall bone health.
Treatment Methods
1. Pain Relief & Gentle Mobility
- Safe, controlled movement patterns to avoid excess spinal loading
- Gradual mobility exercises to maintain flexibility without stressing the fracture
- Breathing and rib mobility exercises to ease thoracic stiffness
2. BTL TECAR Therapy
Supports pain reduction and muscle relaxation around the fracture site by improving circulation
(used safely around, not directly over, unstable fractures).
3. BTL Ultrasound Therapy
Helps reduce deep soft tissue irritation in the surrounding areas and supports recovery.
4. BTL Electrotherapy
Provides gentle pain relief, reduces muscle spasms, and promotes neuromuscular function.
5. Posture Correction Training
- Education to reduce forward bending and lifting stress
- Training for neutral spine alignment
- Posture correction to prevent further vertebral collapse
6. Strengthening Program (Progressive)
Once medically cleared, strengthening includes:
- Core stabilization to support the spine
- Back extensor strengthening for posture correction
- Hip and glute strengthening to reduce lumbar stress
- Functional strengthening for standing, walking, and daily activities
7. Flexibility & Mobility Training
- Hamstring and hip flexor stretching to improve posture
- Gentle thoracic mobility exercises
- Breathing-focused mobility routines
8. Balance & Fall Prevention Training
- Improve stability and coordination
- Reduce risk of future fractures
- Enhance gait and confidence in movement
9. Heat & Cold Therapy
- Cold for acute inflammation and pain
- Heat to relax muscles during later recovery stages
Recovery & Expectations
Many patients regain mobility and reduce pain significantly with structured physiotherapy.
Consistent strengthening of back extensors and core muscles is critical to preventing future fractures
and maintaining upright posture.
Most individuals return to daily activities safely with improved confidence and stability.
In Our Centre…
At AwaHope, we specialize in safe, progressive rehabilitation for vertebral compression fractures using
advanced physiotherapy technologies and individualized exercise programs.
Our goal is to restore function, reduce pain, and help patients regain spinal strength and posture.
