Sports injuries, automobile accidents, and falling can all cause a bone to break. Fractures of the arm are most commonly caused by falling on an outstretched hand, sometimes referred to as a FOOSH injury.
If you suspect you have suffered a fracture of the arm, elbow, or the wrist you must consult with your healthcare provider or local emergency department. The initial treatment for a fracture is for your healthcare provider to make sure the bones are in alignment for appropriate healing. If they’re not, he or she may have to reduce the fracture by putting the bones in the proper position. This can be accomplished manually or by a surgical procedure depending on the severity and location of your fracture.
The fractured arm should generally be immobilized to ensure proper healing can take place. Immobilization is achieved with a cast or brace. Sometimes you may be required to wear a sling while your fracture heals. Your healthcare provider, a physical therapist, or a brace specialist can help you learn how to properly size and wear your sling.
Physical therapy for an arm fracture usually starts after the cast or brace has been removed. Your healthcare provider will prescribe physical therapy according to the type of fracture and healing you have. The most common goals after an arm fracture are to decrease pain and swelling and to restore normal range of motion, strength, and function in the arm while protecting the healing of the fracture. Fractures of the arm, wrist, and elbow can benefit from physical therapy. Some common arm and upper extremity fractures are listed below.
Many proximal humeral fractures heal with rest and immobilization, while some fractures of the humerus may require surgery to stabilize the bone. You will likely need to wear a sling on your arm after a proximal humeral fracture.
Physical therapy after a proximal humeral fracture involves improving shoulder and arm range of motion and regaining normal strength in your shoulder and arm.
A Word From Verywell
If you have suffered an upper extremity fracture, make sure you are seen by your healthcare provider, who can determine the best treatment and make sure that it heals appropriately. He or she can also recommend a regimen of physical therapy to help you regain full mobility in your shoulder, arm, and wrist based on your specific injury.
