You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
This information will guide you through the next 6 weeks of your rehabilitation. Use the information below to gain a better understanding of your injury and what can be done to maximise your recovery.
It is important that you have feeling in your hand and that you can wiggle your fingers. If this is not the case please let us know using the contact details.
| Healing: | It normally takes 9-12 weeks for this injury to heal. |
| Pain: | Take pain killers as prescribed. You may find it easier to sleep propped up with pillows. |
|
Using your arm: |
You will be fitted with a brace and a sling. Wear this until advised otherwise by your consultant. It is important to keep the shoulder moving to prevent stiffness but not to aggravate the injury. Your main aim is to restore enough movement to do day to day activities. |
|
Follow up:
|
You will be seen in Upper Limb Clinic 2-3 weeks after your injury. You will have another x-ray to check the position of the fracture. If you have not received this appointment within one week of receipt of this letter please contact your hospitals Appointment Line. |
Correct brace fitting
Please contact the plaster room directly if you have any problems with your brace. For example:
They will make you an appointment. You can contact the plaster technicians by telephoning the hospital switch board.
You will also have your hand in a sling (a ‘Collar & Cuff’). Your hand should be supported higher than your elbow.
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.
Or, if you are experiencing pain or symptoms, other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area, please get in touch using the telephone or e-mail details at the top of this letter.
What to expect
|
Weeks since injury |
Rehabilitation plan |
|
0-2 |
|
|
2-3 |
|
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.
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 the brace and sling all the time, even in bed at night.