A shoulder fracture is a very painful injury making many day-to-day activities impossible to accomplish. Fractures are usually diagnosed using X-ray technology. Treating a fractured shoulder with physical therapy is a must to ensure a strong recovery of muscle tone and range of motion in the shoulder.
RICE
If your shoulder does not require surgery adhere to the RICE method to help it heal. RICE stands for rest, ice, compress and elevate. Rest the shoulder as much as possible icing the shoulder with a cold compress several times a day to help with pain and swollen tissue. Elevate the arm when lying down to keep weight off the shoulder. Keep the arm in a sling to keep unneeded weight off the shoulder until the arm heals enough to exercise. Exercises and physical therapy should not be attempted until the shoulder has been examined by a doctor and the shoulder has been cleared for exercise.
Physical Therapy
After X-rays have been taken to determine the condition of the shoulder, the doctor will likely recommend a physical therapist. Physical therapy is required to improve the range of motion and strength of the shoulder. Performing exercises keeps the shoulder from getting stiff in the joints.
Exercises will likely include front raises, lateral raises and diagonal raises using resistance bands. Resistance bands provide a small amount of weight against the muscles, strengthening them without the need for free weights. Exercises should be done slowly to prevent further injury.
At Home
It is important as part of the therapy and recovery period that the home is set up to minimize the need to use the fractured shoulder. To keep the effort to a minimum all materials in the house should be moved to a height where the patient does not have to lift the arm above the head. If surgery is required, the first few days of getting dressed may be difficult and help may be required.
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