Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooShoulder Fracture
Neck & Shoulder
What It Is
Trauma to the shoulder is common. Injuries can range from a separated shoulder resulting from a fall onto the shoulder, to fractures of the shoulder blade (scapula) or collarbone (clavicle) caused by a high-speed motor vehicle collision (AAOS, n.d.a).
Signs of a shoulder fracture can include pain, swelling and bruising, being unable to move the shoulder, a grinding feeling when the shoulder is moved, and the shoulder not looking right (AAOS, n.d.a). If you think you have broken a bone in your shoulder, get it checked by a doctor. If the shoulder or arm is badly deformed, a bone has broken through the skin, or you have been in a high-energy accident such as a car crash or a fall from a height (which can also injure the head, chest or spine), call 911 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital (AAOS, n.d.a; AAOS, n.d.b).
Shoulder Fracture Anatomy
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
How a Fractured Shoulder is Treated
Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or medical team
Recovery
Most shoulder fractures, whether treated with or without surgery, need a period of keeping the shoulder still, followed by rehabilitation. If the injury was not severe, there is usually fairly rapid improvement after the first 4 to 6 weeks, and pain, strength and range of movement often continue to improve for up to 12 months after the injury (AAOS, n.d.a).
Tips
- If you are involved in a car accident, you want to have your shoulder examined to make sure nothing was fractured.
- Refrain from lifting any objects that are too heavy, especially when trying to do it alone.
- Try to avoid falling on the shoulder to prevent any injuries from occurring.
- Rehab is a priority. Shoulder exercises, usually as part of a supervised physical therapy program, decrease stiffness, improve range of motion and help you regain muscle strength (AAOS, n.d.a). Once your medical team has cleared you, I can guide you through a rehab programme with hands-on work and exercise. See the My Approach tab for how I work. You can also see a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor to discuss rehab options.
Treatment
My Approach
After a shoulder fracture, the bone needs time to knit, but a shoulder held still too long gets stiff and weak. Your medical team decides on a sling, surgery or a joint replacement, and when you can use the arm, and I work inside those limits. If you had surgery, or the fracture stops you doing your normal daily tasks, I need your team's okay before any hands-on treatment.
Please bring any X-ray or scan reports and notes from your medical team to your first visit. They're an important part of planning safe treatment for you.
While the Shoulder Is Protected
- Easing the neck, upper back and other arm, which take extra strain while you're in a sling
- Gentle lymphatic drainage for swelling in the arm and hand
- Keeping your elbow, wrist and hand moving, and doing the shoulder movements your team allows
As Your Team Allows More
What to Expect
Typical Course
What I Focus On
Sources
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.a) Shoulder trauma (fractures and dislocations). OrthoInfo. Available at: https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/shoulder-trauma-fractures-and-dislocations/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.b) Scapula (shoulder blade) fractures. OrthoInfo. Available at: https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/scapula-shoulder-blade-fractures/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).