Shoulder Fracture Treatment

Shoulder Fracture Treatment

A shoulder fracture is a painful injury which can result from trauma and injury. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we specialise in treatment of shoulder fractures to:

Reduce Pain

Restore Movement

Optimise Recovery

About the condition

What is a shoulder fracture?

The shoulder is what’s known as a ‘ball-and-socket’ joint, consisting of the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula) and upper arm bone (humerus). Shoulder fractures can occur on all three of these main shoulder bones. Fractures can either benon-displaced (bones stay in the correct position) ordisplaced (bones or fragments move out of position)

The three types of shoulder fractures are as follows:

  • Clavicle fractures– fractures of the collarbone
  • Proximal humerus fractures– fractures of the humerus at the head of the bone (near the socket joint)
  • Scapula fractures– fractures of the shoulder blade
Causes

What are the causes?

The cause of a shoulder fracture can vary on its location and severity, and can greatly impair mobility and function.

Some common factors which can trigger a fracture include:

  • Sports-related injuries – extreme force or sudden impact against the shoulder
  • Trauma – car accidents or high-contact activity
  • Falls
  • Abnormal, rapid and sudden movement against the shoulder joint
Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

  • Pain after impact/injury – can be sudden/severe/aching Referred pain felt down hands, neck, back or arms
  • Referred pain felt down hands, neck, back or arms
  • Stiffness/inability to move the arm or shoulder
  • Tenderness/painful to touch
  • Reduced or no range of movement
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Instability – feels like the joint is slipping out of place
Treatment

Treatment for a shoulder fracture

If you have fractured your shoulder, it is important to seek out immediate medical treatment. You will likely be referred for CT, X-ray or MRI scans to determine the extent of the injury.

Physical therapy is highly beneficial in rehabilitating the structures around the shoulder joint after a fracture to increase range of movement and strength. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use neck support or a suitable pillow.

  • Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
  • Restoring range of movement
  • Postural improvement
  • Joint mobilisation
  • Soft tissue release (massage)
  • Shockwave Therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Taping
  • A unique home exercise program
  • Graded Exposure to load program

Need Help?

Are you in pain caused by a fractured shoulder? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment. Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.