Physical Therapy Guide To Proximal Humerus Fractures

What Is a Proximal Humerus Fracture?

The proximal humerus is the part of your upper arm bone that connects with the shoulder joint. It has a rounded head that fits into the shoulder socket and allows your arm to move in all directions.

A fracture in this area significantly affects arm mobility and may cause intense pain, swelling, and joint damage.

The severity of a proximal humerus fracture will depend on a few factors. A doctor will look at the exact location of the fracture, whether the bone has shifted, and also whether the joint surface is involved.

What Causes Proximal Humerus Fractures?

Usually, a significant force that transfers through the arm causes a proximal humerus fracture, but a direct force to the bone may also cause damage.

Here are a few scenarios that most commonly cause this type of fracture:

• Falls: Either landing directly on the shoulder or using your hand to stop a fall transmits force to the humerus.
• Motor vehicle accidents: A collision with another vehicle may force the arm into an abnormal position, or a fall from a motorcycle may cause direct impact.
• Workplace injury: Slipping and hitting the floor or a direct impact with machinery can result in shoulder fractures.
• Direct trauma: A strong blow to the shoulder from a hard object can fracture the upper arm bone.

Common Symptoms of a Shoulder Fracture

In most cases, a person will immediately feel the symptoms of a shoulder fracture after the injury occurs. Even small arm movements become uncomfortable.

You may also experience general shoulder pain in the area that worsens when trying to move your arm in any way.

There may also be visible swelling that occurs and bruising around the shoulder and upper arm.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help rather than trying to deal with the injury yourself.

How Proximal Humerus Fractures Are Treated

Treatment depends entirely on the fracture’s severity and alignment. Car accident physical therapy may look very different from a fall to the shoulder area. 

When the fracture becomes displaced or involves multiple fragments, additional bracing or surgical fixation is necessary.

The healing process takes weeks for the fracture to heal, but returning to normal shoulder strength with full mobility can take considerably longer.

Ultimately, a physician or physical therapist determines when to progressively move and put load on the shoulder.

How Physical Therapy Helps After a Proximal Humerus Fracture

Once a physician clears you for rehabilitation, humeral fracture physical therapy addresses the complications that develop during healing.

If your fracture is from a workplace injury, workers’ comp physical therapy can provide structured rehabilitation that is focused on restoring mobility, strength, and function.

Proximal humerus fracture treatment and services generally focuses on the range of motion, reducing stiffness, and rebuilding shoulder strength.

A physical therapist will develop a program that lasts several weeks and continually tweak the program should any complications arise.

Common Rehabilitation Exercises

Each stage of the broken shoulder rehabilitation process involves specific exercises that your physical therapist monitors.

Here are some of the most common exercises to expect:

• Range of motion: Gentle shoulder movements that gradually restore elevation and rotation.
• Stretching: Controlled stretches that address stiffness caused by weeks of limited movement.
• Strengthening: Resistance exercises that target the rotator cuff, deltoid, and muscles around the shoulder blade.
• Functional Movement: Reaching, lifting, and task-specific movements help transition you from isolated exercises to daily activities.

Why Early Rehabilitation Matters

You’ll experience intense shoulder stiffness, and the muscles around your shoulder will weaken significantly the longer your shoulder remains immobilized after a proximal humerus fracture.

A carefully timed program allows you to increase slight movements over time and increase your general strength.

There’s also a larger chance of reinjury if you don’t properly rehabilitate your shoulder after suffering from the injury. You can take a look at more frequently asked questions to understand more about the recovery process.

How ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Creates Individualized Recovery Plans

At ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic in Las Vegas, your rehabilitation begins with an individualized evaluation of your mobility, strength, pain, and functional limitations. Your therapist takes all these factors into consideration to develop an exercise program that reflects your current stage of recovery.

The goal is always to help you regain confidence in your shoulder mobility and return you to daily activities safely. Request an appointment at ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic today and start feeling like yourself again.