Therapy for Broken Shoulder

The shoulder is the human body's most movable joint, but it can be prone to discomfort and injury brought about by inflammation, swelling and tearing tendons. Shoulder trauma is very common. Injuries may range from a separated shoulder due to an accident or fall, to a shoulder blade or collar bone fracture.

Types of Broken Shoulder Injuries

• Shoulder fractures frequently involve the collar bone or clavicle, the topmost part of the upper arm (or proximal humerus), and the shoulder blade (or scapula). Most types of broken shoulders can be treated non-surgically through physical therapy and other types of treatment, immobilization and rehabilitation.

Therapies

• Treatment for most clavicle fractures can be done without the need for surgery. Surgery will only be required when the injury is a compound fracture and the bone is gravely out of place and has pierced through the skin. Surgery usually involves setting up the fracture with screws, rods or plates within the bone.

  Fractures in the proximal humerus can also be treated without invasive surgery, as long as the bones are not displaced out of their position. If bone fragments are displaced, surgery will be required. The surgery is similar to that performed in compound fractures and will involve fixing the fracture with pins, plates and screws; sometimes shoulder replacement will be required.

  Scapula fractures can also be treated without surgery. Typically, treatment consists of wearing a sling or immobilizer for the shoulder. Pain medication and ice application are also used for treatment.

Rehabilitation

• After surgery or treatment, recovery will take several weeks to a few months. Immobilization is often required for the injured area, followed by rehabilitation.

  For less severe injuries, recovery can take place between four to six weeks. Physical therapy involving shoulder exercises will be required to regain strength in the bone and muscles.