Help-Smith's fracture recovery time as crew on Sydney Hobart yacht race in Dec

[Shaz]

Hi,

I have a Smith's fracture (accident 4th Sept). Have a plate and pins. Cast was taken off after 13days and I was given a removable splint. Have started weekly physio.

Problem - I am due to sail on the Sydney Hobart race ( 5 days of tough racing starting on Boxing Day). The Orthopedic doctor on my follow up said he would treat the fracture ''aggressively'' to try to enable me to do the race.

Questions
1. I am not sure if the doctor understands how intensive the race is. Does anyone else think it is feasible that I may recover
2. I am having physio once a week. Is there anything else I can do to increase my speed of recovery

Many thanks

Sharon

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[physio.smith]

Make sure you are doing the exercises that you have been given and that you are doing quality movement when you do them, avoid trick movts etc. Your physio should be able to help you.

You may need to increase your physio sessions at some point, depending on how much they can do with you.

Make sure that you are keeping your CV fitness up, static bike, xtrainer (with or without arms...depending on how you are doing),step ups etc... use your imagination but don't put your wrist at risk.

As soon asyou are ale (seek advice) start arm ergometer for upper body endurane.

If your fracture heals well it is possible. Make sure your diet complements your healing process. You may need to usea light weight Bioskin style support to race in.

Good luck.

[vam44]

Presuming the bones are healing at a good rate you should gradually strengthen your hand and arm muscles with the physio. Your exercises should include sport specific tasks such as pulling on ropes, using a winch, pushing. I would think that if you are not able to do push ups and pull a rope strongly (bu the beginining of December that you will not be good enough for a Hobart race. My husband sails and broke 6 ribs in the race in Bass strait (not much fun!)