A broken leg involves fracturing any of the bones found in your leg. Home physical therapy ideas for a broken leg need to concentrate on restoring your leg's movement and reducing stiffness after any immobilizing device, such as cast or splint, has been removed. Healing periods range according to injury but can take several months. Not all exercises may be for your individual condition, so check with your doctor before starting any program.
Ankle Workouts
If your broken leg involves your ankle, strengthen your ankle area by doing home physical therapy maneuvers using isometrics. Sit upright in a firm chair with your feet shoulder-width apart and firmly planted on the floor. Place your uninjured foot on the top of your injured foot. Press down with your top foot and resist this tension by pressing up with your injured foot. Hold this tension for five seconds. Release the tension and relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Do two repetitions. Another isometric ankle strengthening version involves reversing your feet so that your injured foot is on top of your uninjured foot.
Lower Leg Stretching
Home physical therapy ideas for a broken leg can put towels to therapeutic use. Sit upright on an exercise table, mat or other firm surface with your legs fully extended. Place your injured foot in the center of a towel. Keep your toes and foot pointed upward. Use your hands to hold each towel end. Keep your back straight and gently pull on the towel, feeling the stretch in your calf muscles. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds. Release the tension and return your foot to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Thigh Workout
Strengthening your quadriceps, or thigh muscles, is important to better support your body weight via your legs and knees. Stand with your back, head and hips against a wall. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Slowly and gently bend your knees while lowering your body toward the floor. Lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor and your body adopts a chair-sitting posture. Do not bend your knees any farther. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Slowly return your body to the original position. Relax 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Hamstring Stretching
Immobilizing your leg for any length of time can make your hamstrings stiff. Loosen your hamstrings through an exercise known as a seated stretch. Sit upright on an exercise mat, bed or sofa with your legs fully extended. Place your hands alongside your knees, keeping your palms on the floor. Gently and slowly bend from your waist while moving your upper torso toward your knees. Slide your hands along the outside of your legs. Keep your neck and back straight. Stretch as far as possible without experiencing pain or discomfort. Hold this stretch for 15 seconds. Feel the stretch along the backside of your knees and thighs. Do not attempt to touch your toes. Slowly return to the original position and relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
