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Humerus Fractures

Date issued: November 2023

For review: November 2025

Ref: A-407/MY/Physiotherapy/Humerus Fractures v3

PDF:  humerus fracture leaflet.pdf [pdf] 532KB

Anatomy

  • There are 3 bones that make up the shoulder joint: the humerus, clavicle and scapula.

  • The humerus is the long bone in the upper arm. It is the head of the humerus (the ’ball’) that sits in the ‘socket’ of the scapula.

Fractured Humerus

  • The humerus is most commonly injured as a result of a fall.

  • There are many different types of fractures, with different long-term outcomes. This normally takes approximately 6-12 weeks to heal. This leaflet is design to guide you to achieve the best possible outcome following your injury.

  • The arm can be painful especially in the first few weeks, you may experience swelling and bruising, stiffness and reduce range of movement and strength.

  •  The management of the fracture may depend on your age and previous function. You will be provided with a ‘collar and cuff’ sling, for comfort. This is usually worn for 3-6 weeks; you will be advised when you can start weaning from this.

  • Early shoulder mobilisation is important to increase your function and prevent long-term stiffness. Exercises would be prescribed by your therapist guided by your fracture.

  • To help reduce the swelling and stiffness in your wrist and hand you will be advised to start moving your hand, wrist and elbow immediately.

  • Some more complex fractures may require a brace to be fitted, which will often require some further training for the patient and their family/carers.

  • If you find you have numbness or are unable to move your wrist, please contact the hospital immediately.

Depending on the fracture you have, a follow-up may or may not be required. In some cases, the Orthopaedic Consultant may decide surgery is the best option.

Healing timescales:

It will take approximately 6-12 weeks for your fracture to heal. The healing process continues for up to 12 months following the injury, and it is common for the shoulder not to feel or move as it did pre-injury. We aim to gain the most functional movement out of the arm, but in most cases it can be difficult to reach your arm up to top cupboards or behind your back fully.

Rehabilitation plan:

Rehabilitation plan

  Weeks post injury

 Rehabilitation aims

  0-3 weeks

  • Wear your sling throughout the day and at night if needed for comfort
  • Remove your sling to wash/dress and complete your exercises 4 times a day
  • Start Stage 1 exercises as soon as possible.

  3-6 weeks

  • You may be able to start to wean from your sling as comfort allows
  • Progress to stage 2 exercises

  6+ weeks

  • If you have not already you should be weaning out of your sling
  • Progress to stage 3 exercises
  • You may have an appointment with an outpatient physiotherapist who will progress your rehabilitation
  • You may start to use your arm in more functional activities
  • It is not advised to do any heavy lifting/pushing/pulling for at least 8-10 weeks following your fracture

Exercises: Stage 1

0-3 weeks following your fracture (Exercises 1-8)

Exercise 1

Open and close the hand, making a tight fist and opening again.

Your fingers/thumb may be swollen so it is important to get your hand moving to help reduce swelling and prevent stiffness.

Repeat 10 x 4 x daily

Exercise 2

Gently move your wrist up and down as shown in the picture.

Repeat 10 x 4 x daily

Exercise 3

Gently turn your wrist so your palm faces up and down.

Repeat 10 x 4 x daily

Exercise 4

Take your arm out of the sling. Gently bend your elbow so your hand moves towards your shoulder, then return to a straight position.

It is really important to let your elbow straighten fully. Wearing a sling can cause the muscles around the elbow to tighten up.

If this is sore you can use other hand to assist. Repeat 10 x 4 x daily

Exercise 5

Take your arm out of the sling. Allow your arm to rest by your side. Find a stable surface to lean on with your uninjured arm.

Let your injured arm dangle and gently move the arm in a circular pattern. Make sure the movement is coming from the shoulder.

Repeat 10 x 4 x daily

Exercise 6

Take your arm out of the sling. Allow your arm to rest by your side. Find a stable surface to lean on with your uninjured arm.

Let your injured arm dangle and gently move the arm in a sideways movement. Make sure the movement is coming from the shoulder.

Repeat 10 x 4 x daily

Exercise 7

Take your arm out of the sling. Allow your arm to rest by your side. Find a stable surface to lean on with your uninjured arm.

Let your injured arm dangle and gently move the arm in a forwards and backwards movement. Make sure the movement is coming from the shoulder.

Repeat 10 x 4 x daily

Exercise 8

Take your arm out of the sling. Allow your arm to rest by your side.

Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together then relax.

Repeat 10 x 4 x daily

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