How Does Physical Therapy Help a Collarbone Fracture Heal?
Nobody likes broken bones, and collarbone fractures can be among the worst. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common bones broken.
The collarbone, medically known as the clavicle, connects the breastbone to the shoulder blade. It plays an important role in posture, shoulder movement, and arm stability. If the clavicle does get broken, it is important that it heals correctly, so as not to impede movement or cause pain in the future.
One of the most important tools for proper healing is collarbone fracture physical therapy. Therapy helps patients regain upper body strength and flexibility, while reducing pain and ensuring the bone and body heal correctly.
If you have experienced a collarbone fracture near Las Vegas, consider ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic. We can help you heal correctly, with less pain, and ensure you and your body are more resilient to injuries in the future.
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What Is a Collarbone Fracture? What Are the Common Causes?
A collarbone fracture is a break or crack in the clavicle, the bone that connects the breastbone to the shoulder. It is the bone that appears just above the ribcage and makes a “U” shape under the neck.
Fractures are breaks or cracks that usually happens due to trauma or force. Among the most common reasons for a clavicle fracture include sports injuries, car accidents, and falls, especially in the elderly. Some work-related clavicle injuries may be covered by workers’ comp.
Symptoms of a broken collarbone include bruising or pain in the upper breast or shoulder area, difficulty moving or raising the arms, and a grinding or clicking sensation when moving. Most collarbone fractures are treated without surgery. In most cases, the arm will be secured in a sling or other brace for support.
Healing time for collarbone fractures vary from person to person, due to differences in overall health, age, and the complexity of injuries, as well as how well therapy is adhered to.
Some people return to light activity after about six weeks, possibly more. However, most people need at least 12 weeks to return to strenuous activities.
How Physical Therapy Supports Collarbone Healing
In most cases, after a collarbone is broken, it will be immobilized. Patients will generally wear medical braces that keep the bone from moving, allowing healing to take place in the correct orientation. However, keeping the shoulder immobilized too long can lead to weakness and a reduction in flexibility.
Physical therapy helps patients successfully recover after the period of immobility ends. Physical therapy helps reduce stiffness and pain, helps restore shoulder mobility, and helps teach strategies that make further injury less likely. If surgery is required, in some cases, physical therapy will be used before the procedure to help patients prepare.
Physical therapy can also help restore lost circulation to the breakage site and surrounding areas, increase strength, and can even help improve posture. In all cases, it’s important to make gradual progression to avoid pain and additional injury.
Importance of Personalized Treatment Plans and Home Exercises
Because every clavicle fracture and every body is different, personalized treatment plans are key in ensuring patients are able to return to their daily activities in a timely and healthy manor, and that the body heals properly without further complications.
Personalized treatment plans help ensure patients progress safely through treatment, as well as leave with additional knowledge and strength that can help to avoid issues in the future or re-injury.
One of the most important ways personalized treatment plans are implemented is with home exercises. While patients receive instruction and hands-on treatment in the office, you’ll also be directed in the use of home exercises that will be crucial in your progress.
Home exercises allow you to improve consistently between therapy sessions and maintain progress and strength over the long term. Home exercises also help patients gain confidence and strength.
How ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Provides Individualized Rehab Plans and Hands-on Support
ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic provides personalized rehabilitation programs designed to help patients recover safely, with less pain, and with more confidence after collarbone fractures.
We offer treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. When you choose ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic, you’re never a number to us, always an individual. By combining compassionate care with proven rehabilitation techniques, we help patients return to work, sports, and everyday life as soon as possible with the least amount of pain.
Our facilities are state-of-the-art, our staff is the jewel of our organization, and we are always accepting new patients. Call today to book an appointment or check out our frequently asked questions for more information.