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This information will guide you through the next step in the management of your shoulder injury. Use the information below to gain a better understanding of your injury and what can be done to maximise your recovery.
| Pain: | Take pain killers as prescribed. You may find it easier to sleep propped up with pillows. |
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Using your arm: |
It is important to keep the shoulder moving to prevent stiffness but not to aggravate the injury. Follow the rehabilitation plan on the next page. Use the sling until you have seen the consultant. |
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Follow up:
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The result of your virtual appointment was to refer you to the surgical team for an opinion with regards to surgical fixation of your fracture. We have handed your details over to the Trauma Co-ordinators who will contact you in the next few days to arrange a date for you to come in. If you do not hear anything within 48 hours, contact them using the details provided during your telephone call with the Virtual Fracture Clinic team. |
Area of your injury
If you are worried that you are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan, or have any questions, then please phone the Fracture Care Team for advice.
What to expect
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Timeline |
Rehabilitation plan |
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While awaiting a surgical opinion |
X Do not lift your elbow above shoulder height as this may be painful. |
Advice for a new injury
Cold packs: A cold pack (ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) can provide short term pain relief. Apply this to the sore area for up to 15 minutes, every few hours ensuring the ice is never in direct contact with the skin.
Rest: Try to rest your shoulder for the first 24-72 hours. However, it is important to maintain movement. Gently move your shoulder following the exercises shown. These should not cause too much pain. This will ensure your shoulder does not become stiff and it will help the healing process.
Smoking advice
Medical evidence suggests that smoking prolongs fracture healing time. In extreme cases it can stop healing altogether. It is important that you consider this information with relation to your recent injury. Stopping smoking during the healing phase of your fracture will help ensure optimal recovery from this injury.
For advice on smoking cessation and local support available, please refer to the following website: http://smokefree.nhs.uk or discuss this with your GP.
Exercises
If you have stiffness in your elbow or hand from wearing the sling, you may wish to perform these exercises first. However, once they become easy you can start with the posture and pendulum exercises.
Initial exercises to do 4-5 times a day:
Finger and wrist flexion and extension
Open and close your hand as shown 10-15 times.
Then move your wrist up and down 10-15 times.
After a few days, hold a soft ball/ball of socks. Squeeze the ball as hard as possible without pain.
Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times.
Elbow Bend to Straighten
Bend and straighten your elbow so you feel a mild to moderate stretch. You can use your other arm to assist if necessary. Do not push into pain.
Repeat 10-15 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.
Forearm Rotations
Put your elbow at your side. Bend it to 90 degrees. Slowly rotate your palm up and down until you feel a mild to moderate stretch. You can use your other arm to assist if necessary. Do not push into pain.
Repeat 10-15 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.
Postural awareness
Bring your shoulders back and squeeze your shoulder blades together as shown in the picture. Do this with or without your sling on.
Hold the position for 20-30 seconds and repeat 5 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.
Shoulder pendulum exercises
Stand and lean forward supporting yourself with your other hand. Try to relax your injured arm and let it hang down.
Continue for approximately 1-2 minutes in total provided there is no increase in symptoms. Remember to try and relax your arm.
Wear your sling during the day, except for exercises and personal hygiene.