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:
Shoulder Fracture Treatment
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 be non-displaced (bones stay in the correct position) or displaced (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
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
What are the symptoms?
- Pain after impact/injury – can be sudden/severe/aching
- 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 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:
- 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
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.
How to book an appointment?
If you have a fractured shoulder, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
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.
Contact Us
