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Il caso di Lia: come evitare l’intervento con costanza, fiducia e un lavoro terapeutico su misura

Il caso di Lia: come evitare l’intervento con costanza, fiducia e un lavoro terapeutico su misura

Lia Gualdi, born in 1946, fell outside her home on November 11, 2024.  The cause of the accident was uneven flooring: she tripped between a grating and the floor, was unable to regain her balance, and fell heavily, hitting her shoulder.

The medical report leaves no doubt:  a three-part fracture of the proximal humerus, with posterosuperior displacement of the trochilus. This is a complex fracture, so much so that a CT scan is also ordered after the X-ray to more accurately assess the severity.

Despite the obvious instability of the bone, Lia—together with Dr. Pellegrini—decided to pursue a conservative approach , avoiding surgery. A brace was then applied, which she wore 24/7 for approximately 20 days.

Starting physiotherapy: pain, limitations, and a tailored treatment plan

On December 4,  2024, Lia began physiotherapy with our physiotherapist Rossana . However, the fracture has not yet healed , which is why we opted for a gradual weaning  of the brace, especially at night.

When she arrived at our facility, Lia was in severe pain, insomnia  , and had a large hematoma extending  from her right arm to her elbow and breast. She’s right-handed, lives alone, and every daily activity has become a challenge for her.

An intensive rehabilitation program is then proposed : three sessions per week of one hour each, with a combination of:

  • Lymphatic drainage

  • Manual massage

  • Kinesiotaping

  • Application of ice

  • Mobilization of the elbow and shoulder

January: The fracture struggles to heal, so magnetotherapy is introduced.

In early January 2025 , a new X-ray revealed that the callus needed for healing had not yet formed. Magnetic therapy was therefore introduced  for a month, in parallel with continued physiotherapy sessions: initially three times a week, then twice.

We gradually begin to introduce active muscle strengthening work , while maintaining one-hour sessions to be able to combine mobilization, manual techniques and functional activities.

Commitment and results: Lia never stops

Lia faces the entire process with admirable determination . Despite her age and the pain, she almost never skips her home exercises  —only one day in over six months of rehabilitation.

Thanks to his perseverance and the synergistic work with Rossana , he managed to avoid surgery , achieving such a significant recovery that Dr. Pellegrini expressed the intention to present the case at a medical conference , precisely because a fracture of this kind is, in the majority of cases, treated surgically.

To date: autonomy, strength, and an exciting milestone.

Lia has returned to a normal life.  She continues sporadically with physical therapy (1–2 times a month) and has a final check-up scheduled with Dr. Pellegrini in September.

With the arrival of the summer heat, she reported some difficulty putting on and taking off clothes , and for this reason she worked with Rossana on specific exercises for the functional joint levels , aimed at improving this type of movement.

On July 2,  2025, she had another session, during which she was given new strengthening exercises to complete the rehabilitation process .

A story of strength, confidence and success

Lia’s journey is a source of pride and inspiration for us. She has taught us how much can be achieved with commitment, willpower, faith, and perseverance . She invested time, energy, and financial resources, but above all, she relied on her physiotherapist Rossana , building a relationship of mutual respect that was crucial to her ultimate success.

In the end, Lia won.  She smiled again, independent and serene. And we are proud to have walked with her on this incredible journey of recovery.

 

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