Fractures (Shoulder Pain Condition)

Rehabilitation following a shoulder fracture is generally broken down into stages, with each phase progressively targeting different aspects of recovery. The goal of each stage is to safely and effectively restore full shoulder function.

1. Phase 1: Acute Stage (0-6 Weeks)
   • Focus: Immobilization and pain control.
   • Following a fracture, the shoulder will usually be immobilized using a sling, brace, or in some cases, a cast. This stage involves pain management and preventing further stress on the injured shoulder.
   • Modalities used:
     • Cold therapy (Cryotherapy): Helps reduce swelling and manage acute pain.
     • Gentle Passive Range of Motion (ROM) exercises: These exercises are carefully performed by a physiotherapist to prevent stiffness and aid in the healing process while the fracture is immobilized.
     • Electrical stimulation (TENS): May be used to help reduce pain and inflammation during the acute stage.
2. Phase 2: Early Rehab (6-12 Weeks)
   • Focus: Regaining range of motion and reducing stiffness.
   • After the initial healing period, more active rehabilitation begins. The focus shifts to gentle range of motion (ROM) exercises that are designed to restore shoulder flexibility without overloading the injured area.
   • Modalities used:
     • Heat therapy: Applied to relax tight muscles and improve circulation to the injured area.
     • Passive and Active-Assisted ROM exercises: Exercises aimed at improving mobility within the limits of pain tolerance. These exercises are gradually progressed based on the patient’s healing and ability to tolerate movement.
     • Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques like joint mobilizations and soft tissue release may be applied by the physiotherapist to reduce muscle tightness and improve shoulder movement.
3. Phase 3: Strengthening and Stability (12-24 Weeks)
   • Focus: Restoring strength and shoulder stability.
   • Once the shoulder joint has regained some flexibility, the focus shifts to strengthening exercises designed to rebuild muscle around the shoulder joint. Strengthening these muscles helps prevent re-injury and provides stability to the healing bone.
   • Modalities used:
     • Resistance exercises: Resistance bands, weights, and machines may be used to target specific shoulder muscles like the rotator cuff, deltoids, and scapular stabilizers.
     • Proprioceptive training: These exercises focus on improving your sense of shoulder position and improving muscle coordination to prevent further injury.
     • Scapular stabilization exercises: These exercises help strengthen muscles that support the shoulder blade and aid in proper alignment of the shoulder joint.
4. Phase 4: Functional Restoration (6-12 Months)
   • Focus: Return to daily activities and sports-specific training.
   • The final stage of rehabilitation focuses on restoring functional strength and preparing the shoulder for more strenuous activities. If you’re an athlete, sport-specific rehabilitation will be tailored to help you return to your sport safely.
   • Modalities used:
     • Dynamic strength exercises: These exercises include lifting weights, performing overhead movements, and functional activities such as reaching, pushing, and pulling.
     • Cardiovascular training: While focusing on the shoulder, light aerobic exercises like swimming, walking, or cycling may be incorporated to improve overall endurance.
     • Sports-specific drills: For athletes, drills are designed to return the shoulder to peak condition, with proper emphasis on form and technique.