Physical Therapy for a Broken Shoulder

The shoulder is a bony structure that is located in the upper back and connects the upper arm to the chest wall. It is also responsible for forming the socket which connects the shoulder joint to the upper arm. Most broken shoulders are the result of direct trauma to the area and involve a large amount of force. Physical therapists are trained to find the deficiencies in your body and are knowledgeable about injuries and treatment goals. A physical therapy program targets the shoulder and tailors exercises to strengthen the area and give you back full range of motion.

Massage Therapy

• Because a broken shoulder creates severe stiffness in the area, a physical therapist massages the shoulder to create circulation and improve blood flow in the area. By using massage therapy, a physical therapist can improve elasticity and range of motion. Therapists use their hands or specialized tools to rhythmically stroke, rub and knead your shoulder, which stimulates the area and delivers oxygen and nutrients. This is key to eliminating lactic acid that builds up in the shoulder, causing spasms and pain.

Stretching Exercises

• Stretching exercises focus on improving range of motion and combating stiffness. Without full range of motion you can't perform everyday tasks, such as combing your hair, buckling a seat belt or scratching your back. Stretching is crucial in getting flexibility back in the joints and muscles and preventing scar tissue from forming.

  Lie on your stomach at the edge of a table or bed and let your injured shoulder hang over the edge. Slowly swing your arm back and forth, feeling a light stretch in your shoulder. Begin performing this exercise for 15 seconds intervals before progressing to three to five minutes as your shoulder begins to heal.

  Hold on to a sturdy chair while standing. Bend over at your waist and let your injured shoulder hang down. Begin swinging your arm in small circles for 30 seconds. As your shoulder begins to improve, make larger circles for a longer period of time. Eventually, you should progress the circles to three to five minutes.

Strengthening Exercises

• As your shoulder begins to improve, a physical therapist has you perform strengthening exercises to improve the function of your muscles and increase strength, endurance and range of motion.

  Standing with a pair of dumbbells in your hand, raise them to shoulder level. Your hands need to be shoulder distance apart and keep your elbows tucked under your wrists. Push the weights toward the ceiling until your arms are extended. Hold for five seconds and then lower the weights back down. Perform this exercise for three sets and 10 to 15 repetitions.

  Holding two dumbbells at your sides, slowly raise your arms without creating a bend in your elbow. When the weights reach shoulder level, hold for five seconds and lower. Perform this exercise for three sets and 15 to 20 repetitions.