Shoulder And Arm Fractures
Recover movement, rebuild strength, and regain confidence after a shoulder or arm fracture with personalised physiotherapy rehabilitation.
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What is Shoulder And Arm Fractures?
Shoulder and Arm Fractures involve a break in one or more bones of the shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, or surrounding upper limb. These injuries can result from falls, sports injuries, road accidents, or direct trauma and may cause pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and difficulty moving the arm. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture and may involve immobilisation, casting, bracing, or surgery. At Pure Physio, physiotherapy focuses on restoring safe movement, strength, flexibility, and functional use of the arm after appropriate medical management.
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Shoulder and arm fractures can affect different bones throughout the upper limb, including the:
Clavicle (Collarbone): Connects the shoulder to the chest.
Scapula (Shoulder Blade): Forms part of the shoulder joint.
Proximal Humerus: The upper part of the arm bone near the shoulder.
Humeral Shaft: The middle portion of the upper arm bone.
Distal Humerus: The lower part of the upper arm bone near the elbow.
Radius: One of the two bones of the forearm.
Ulna: The other forearm bone.
The severity of a fracture can range from a small crack to a complete break with significant displacement. A non-displaced fracture means the broken bone remains in a relatively normal position, while a displaced fracture means the bone fragments have moved out of alignment.
Some fractures can be managed without surgery using a sling, cast, or brace, while more complex or unstable fractures may require surgical fixation using plates, screws, rods, pins, or other devices.
What Are The Symptoms Of Shoulder And Arm Fractures?
Common Symptoms
Sudden Pain: Pain often occurs immediately after the injury.
Swelling: The affected area may become swollen.
Bruising: Discolouration may develop around the injury.
Tenderness: The area is usually painful when touched.
Difficulty Moving the Arm: Pain and structural injury can significantly restrict movement.
Reduced Strength: The arm may feel weak or difficult to use.
Deformity: A severe or displaced fracture may cause the arm or shoulder to look abnormal.
Pain with Movement: Moving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or arm may increase pain.
Other Possible Symptoms
Grinding or Clicking: An abnormal sensation may occur around the fracture site.
Arm Held in a Protective Position: The injured arm may be held still to reduce pain.
Numbness or Tingling: Nerve irritation or injury may cause altered sensation.
Reduced Sensation: Some areas of the arm or hand may feel numb.
Cold or Pale Hand: Changes in circulation can occur with serious injuries and require urgent medical assessment.
Muscle Weakness: Reduced use of the arm during recovery can contribute to muscle weakness.
Joint Stiffness: Immobilisation can cause stiffness in nearby joints.
An open wound with visible bone, significant deformity, uncontrolled bleeding, or a cold, pale, or numb hand requires urgent emergency medical care.
What Are The Causes Of Shoulder And Arm Fractures?
Falls: Falling onto an outstretched hand, elbow, or shoulder is a common cause.
Direct Impact: A strong blow to the shoulder or arm can break a bone.
Sports Injuries: Contact, collisions, falls, or high-impact activities can cause fractures.
Road Traffic Accidents: High-energy trauma can result in complex upper-limb fractures.
Workplace Accidents: Falls, crushing injuries, or direct trauma may cause fractures.
Twisting Injuries: Excessive force through the arm may occasionally result in a fracture.
Bone Weakness: Conditions such as osteoporosis can increase fracture risk.
Repetitive Stress: Repeated loading can cause stress fractures in some situations.
Previous Bone Disease: Certain medical conditions can weaken bones and increase susceptibility to fractures.
The amount of force required to cause a fracture varies depending on the strength and health of the bone.
Diagnosis Of Shoulder And Arm Fractures
Medical History: A healthcare professional will ask how the injury occurred and about current symptoms.
Physical Examination: The shoulder, arm, elbow, and surrounding areas are examined for pain, swelling, deformity, movement, and tenderness.
Neurovascular Assessment: Nerve function, sensation, circulation, pulses, and hand movement are checked.
X-Rays: X-rays are the most common imaging test used to identify and assess fractures.
CT Scan: CT imaging may provide more detailed information about complex fractures or joint involvement.
MRI Scan: MRI may be used to assess associated soft-tissue injuries or certain fractures that are difficult to see on X-ray.
Bone Scan: In selected cases, a bone scan may help identify stress fractures.
Follow-Up Imaging: Repeat imaging may be required to monitor bone alignment and healing.
The diagnosis helps determine whether the fracture can be managed conservatively or requires surgical treatment.
Treatment Of Shoulder And Arm Fractures
Treatment depends on the location, fracture pattern, displacement, stability, associated injuries, and overall health of the individual.
Immobilisation: A sling, cast, splint, or brace may protect the fracture during healing.
Pain Management: Appropriate medication may be recommended by a healthcare professional.
Fracture Reduction: Displaced bones may need to be carefully realigned.
Casting or Bracing: Some fractures can be maintained in position without surgery.
Surgical Fixation: Plates, screws, pins, rods, or other fixation devices may be used for unstable or complex fractures.
Physiotherapy: Rehabilitation helps restore movement, strength, and functional use after medical clearance.
Gradual Return to Activity: Activities are progressively reintroduced according to bone healing and medical guidance.
Treatment of Underlying Bone Health: Conditions such as osteoporosis may require additional management to reduce future fracture risk.
It is important to follow medical advice regarding when to begin movement, strengthening, lifting, and weight-bearing because the healing requirements vary between different fractures.
What Is The Physiotherapy Treatment Of Shoulder And Arm Fractures
Detailed Assessment: At Pure Physio, we assess pain, swelling, healing status, joint movement, muscle strength, posture, functional ability, and relevant medical or surgical restrictions.
Individualised Rehabilitation Programme: Your treatment is planned according to the specific bone involved, type of fracture, treatment received, stage of healing, and personal goals.
Pain and Swelling Management: Appropriate physiotherapy strategies may support comfort and help manage swelling.
Protected Early Movement: Once medically cleared, gentle movement may help maintain mobility while protecting the healing fracture.
Range of Motion Exercises: Exercises gradually restore movement in the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand as appropriate.
Joint Mobility Training: Rehabilitation helps address stiffness that may develop after immobilisation.
Gentle Stretching: Carefully progressed stretching can improve flexibility when the fracture has healed sufficiently.
Strengthening Exercises: Progressive exercises help rebuild strength lost during immobilisation and recovery.
Shoulder Strengthening: Exercises can restore control and strength around the shoulder joint.
Elbow and Forearm Rehabilitation: Treatment supports the recovery of bending, straightening, rotation, and functional arm use.
Wrist and Hand Exercises: Movement and strengthening exercises may help restore grip and hand function.
Grip Strength Training: Progressive activities can help improve the ability to hold and carry objects.
Scapular Control Training: Shoulder blade exercises support upper-limb posture and movement.
Functional Rehabilitation: Therapy focuses on everyday activities such as dressing, grooming, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
Work-Specific Rehabilitation: Exercises can be adapted to meet the physical demands of your occupation.
Sport-Specific Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation can prepare the arm and shoulder for sport-specific movements and loading.
Post-Operative Rehabilitation: Following surgery, your programme follows the surgeon’s recommendations and appropriate tissue-healing timelines.
Home Exercise Programme: A personalised programme supports continued recovery between physiotherapy appointments.
Progress Monitoring: Your programme is regularly reviewed and progressed according to pain, bone healing, movement, strength, and functional improvement.
Why Choose Pure Physio?
Comprehensive Assessment: We assess pain, healing status, movement, strength, function, and relevant medical restrictions.
Personalised Rehabilitation Plans: Your treatment is tailored to the specific fracture, treatment method, healing stage, and individual goals.
Safe Exercise Progression: Rehabilitation is progressed according to medical clearance and appropriate healing timelines.
Restore Joint Movement: We help address stiffness in the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand.
Rebuild Strength: Progressive exercises help restore muscle strength and upper-limb control.
Functional Recovery Focus: Therapy targets practical activities needed for independence at home, work, and in daily life.
Post-Immobilisation Rehabilitation: We help restore movement and strength following the use of a sling, cast, splint, or brace.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: We provide structured physiotherapy following fracture fixation surgery when required.
Work and Sport Rehabilitation: Treatment can be adapted to the physical demands of your occupation, hobbies, or sport.
Home Exercise Guidance: You receive a personalised programme to support consistent progress outside your appointments.
Regular Progress Monitoring: Your rehabilitation is reviewed and adjusted as healing and function improve.
Integrated Care Approach: We work alongside orthopaedic specialists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals when required.
Focused on Long-Term Arm Function: Our goal is to help reduce stiffness, restore comfortable movement, rebuild strength, and support a safe return to the activities that matter most.
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
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