Is a Humerus Fracture Causing You Pain?
Physical Therapy Can Bring Relief
Are you in the midst of healing from a painful broken arm? Or maybe you’re now out of a cast, but finding that everyday activities aren’t as easy as they used to be. Wherever you are in your healing process, know that physical therapy can help.
Our physical therapists in McAllen and Weslaco, TX have extensive experience in rehabilitating patients with humerus fractures. We can ensure that you heal properly from your injury and that you leave our practice ready to resume your normal routine.
If you’re struggling to recover from a fracture in your arm, don’t hesitate to contact Pure Physical Therapy & Pilates for relief. Learn more about the benefits of physical therapy today by requesting an appointment.
What is a humerus fracture?
Your humerus, or upper arm bone, is a long bone that stretches from your shoulder to your elbow. At the elbow, the humerus joins with the radius and ulna bones of the forearm. Any break in this bone is referred to as a humerus fracture.
There are two main types of humerus fractures:
- a proximal humerus fracture and
- a humerus shaft fracture. A proximal humerus fracture usually occurs near the shoulder joint, while a humerus shaft fracture is located in the middle of the upper arm.
How do broken bones heal?
Bone healing occurs in three stages: inflammatory, reparative, and remodeling.
The Inflammatory Stage
When a bone fractures, the body sends signals to special cells to rush to the injured area. Some of these special cells cause inflammation in the injured area, which is why new fractures might appear red and swollen. The signals also instruct your body to stop using the injured part in order for it to heal.
Other cells that arrive in the area at this point form a hematoma (blood clot) around the broken bone. This is the first link between the broken bone’s fragments. During this stage, it is critical to visit a health care professional so your injury can be properly set. After this is done, your arm will be immobilized using a splint, sling, brace, or cast to ensure the bone heals correctly and does not slip out of place.
The Reparative Stage
Within a week of the injury, the reparative stage begins. The blood clot that formed during the inflammatory stage is replaced by a soft callus (a type of soft bone). The callus holds the bone together but isn’t strong enough to allow the body part to function.
The soft callus hardens over the next few weeks. This hard callus is strong enough for the body part to be used after about 2–6 weeks.
The Remodeling Stage
Around 6 weeks after the injury, the remodeling stage begins. The hard callus is replaced by regular bone at this stage.
How physical therapy can help you recover from a humerus fracture
If you have experienced a humerus fracture, you may very well benefit from the skilled services of a physical therapist. After a fracture, your physical therapist can assist you in regaining normal range of motion, strength, and functional mobility.
Most patients begin physical therapy after their cast has been removed, and they are ready to begin mobilizing the area surrounding the fracture.
During your first visit with a physical therapist, you will likely undergo a thorough evaluation. Here, your strength, range of motion, pain levels, and flexibility will be assessed. Once your therapist has examined your problem areas, they will develop a personalized treatment plan just for you.
You will likely have some mobility and strength issues as a result of being immobilized in a cast or sling. Your therapist will devise a plan to overcome these negative effects, which may include therapeutic modalities such as:
- Functional activities that focus on reaching and grasping to retrain your muscles
- Electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapy to reduce pain and promote healing
- Exercises to improve range of motion and strength
- Manual mobilization techniques to break up any painful adhesions
Though everyone heals differently and at different rates, most fractures should heal by the 8-week point. Your rehabilitation timeline will depend on the severity of your injury, your age, and your overall health.
Need help healing from a humerus fracture?
Look no further
At Pure Physical Therapy & Pilates, we understand just how frustrating it can be when you’re healing from a fracture. Your recovery is of the utmost importance to us because you deserve to get back to leading a healthy, pain-free lifestyle.
If you have broken your arm and are in search of safe, effective methods of pain management and relief, contact Pure Physical Therapy & Pilates in McAllen or Weslaco, TX today to schedule an appointment.
