Fibreglass vs Traditional Plaster: What’s Better for Your Broken Bone?

Fibreglass vs Traditional Plaster

What’s Better for Your Broken Bone?

So, you’ve broken a bone. Ouch.

Once the initial shock settles, one of the first questions that comes up is:
“What kind of cast will I need?”

These days, you’ve got a couple of options—fibreglass or traditional plaster. And if you’ve never broken a bone before, you might not know the difference.

Let’s break it down (pun not intended!) so you know what to expect and what might be right for your situation.

First Things First: What’s the Purpose of a Cast?

Casts are used to keep the broken bone in the right position while it heals. They stop the injured area from moving too much and protect it from bumps and knocks.

Most simple fractures can be treated with a cast, but you’ll need:

• An x-ray to confirm the break

• A referral from your GP
  From there, you can come to us at Forster Tuncurry Physiotherapy for fibreglass casting—no hospital wait required.

So, What’s the Difference?

Let’s take a look at the two main types of cast:

🟣 Fibreglass Cast

Lightweight and durable, fibreglass casts are made from a plastic material that hardens quickly. They’ve become a popular option in recent years—and here’s why.

Pros:

• ✅ Much lighter than plaster (easier to get around)

• ✅ Stronger and more durable

• ✅ Water-resistant outer shell (you still need to keep it dry inside!)

• ✅ Comes in different colours (a fun bonus, especially for kids)

• ✅ Allows for better air flow—less sweaty and itchy

Cons:

• ❌ Can be more expensive (though still often covered or subsidised)

• ❌ May not be suitable for all fracture types

⚪ Traditional Plaster Cast

This is the old-school option, made from plaster of Paris, which becomes solid once it dries.

Pros:

• ✅ Moulds very closely to the limb, making it great for more complex or unstable fractures

• ✅ Often the go-to for initial casting (especially straight after an injury)

• ✅ Usually cheaper

Cons:

• ❌ Heavier and bulkier

• ❌ Can crack or chip if knocked

• ❌ Not water-resistant at all

• ❌ Takes longer to fully dry

Which One Is Better?

It depends on:

• The type and location of the break

• How swollen the area is

• Your lifestyle and needs (e.g. how mobile you are, whether you're caring for others, etc.)

For example:

• A simple wrist fracture in an active adult? Fibreglass is probably ideal.

• A complicated leg break with swelling? You may start with plaster, then switch to fibreglass later.

At our clinic, we often use fibreglass casting for simple, stable fractures—because it’s quick, comfortable, and lets people get back to daily life more easily.

What About Care and Comfort?

Regardless of the type of cast, there are a few tips to make life easier:

• Keep the cast dry. Even fibreglass casts have padding inside that shouldn’t get wet.

• Avoid poking things inside the cast. Itchy? Try a hairdryer on a cool setting instead.

• Watch for swelling, pain, or numbness. These could be signs the cast is too tight—call us or your GP straight away.

• Follow up with physio. Healing doesn’t stop when the cast comes off—physio helps you regain strength and movement safely.

Final Thoughts

A broken bone can feel like a big setback—but with the right support, healing doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether you end up with fibreglass or traditional plaster, what matters most is that the break is protected, and you're set up for a strong recovery.

At Forster Tuncurry Physiotherapy, we work with your GP to get your fracture seen, set, and supported—so you can get back to life, faster and safer.