Humeral Fracture Treatment & Relief Ireland
Therapy For Humeral Fractures In Dublin, Ireland
If you have recently had a humeral fracture, you may be referred for rehabilitation to improve function and strength and to ease the pain and stiffness that are common while the bone heals and after time in a cast or sling. Or you may have had a fracture that did not need surgery and want targeted rehab.
We offer physiotherapy and chiropractic care that may help with your symptoms during recovery.
Contact us today to book an appointment.
What Is A Humeral Fracture?
A humeral fracture is a fracture of the humerus bone, which is the long bone in your upper arm, between the shoulder joint and elbow joint. In therapy after a humeral fracture, is it important to focus on both of these joints, and also the wrist
This type of fracture can occur from a direct blow or an indirect injury such as a fall, and is more common in older people.
Symptoms may include pain, swelling and bruising around the joint, difficulty moving the arm, and a popping or cracking sound at the time of the injury.
How Is A Humeral Fracture Treated?
Treatment for a humeral fracture will vary depending on the severity of the fracture and your individual situation. In many cases, surgery is required to repair the bone and may involve plates and screws to hold the bone in place while it heals.
Following surgery, you may be required to wear a cast or sling for a period of time. This may restrict your ability to move and can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness in the arm. physical therapy and chiropractic treatments can help reduce these symptoms and improve function.
But not all fractures require surgery – which we will get into a little later.
How Long Does A Fractured Humerus Take To Heal?
The timeline for healing a fractured humerus can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and your individual situation.
The general timeline of bone healing starts soon after the fracture, and full new bone tissue takes 4-12 months is fully heal depending on the kind of fracture.
However, you may experience pain, stiffness, and weakness in the arm for some time after the fracture has healed, and rehabilitation may help with these symptoms.
Can A Humerus Fracture Heal On Its Own?
Some humeral fractures heal without surgery, and your doctor will advise on how yours should be managed.
How Long Do You Wear A Brace With A Broken Humerus?
The need for a brace depends on the kind of humeral fracture you have. Your doctor will tell you how long you need to wear a brace and what kind is best for you.
What Is The Treatment For A Fractured Humerus?
Humeral fractures are treated both with and without surgery. Physical therapy can help if you have a fracture that does not require surgery, and post-operative physical therapy can help to regain function, reduce pain and stiffness after surgery. Physical therapy and chiropractic treatments can also be helpful in reducing symptoms after a humeral fracture.
We also offer laser therapy and shockwave therapy, which may be used alongside rehabilitation.
Laser Therapy For Humeral Fractures
Laser therapy is sometimes used alongside rehabilitation. The evidence for it after fractures is limited, and results vary.
Shockwave Therapy For Humeral Fractures
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves applied over the treated area and may be considered for ongoing symptoms months or years after a fracture.
Fractures that are not healing (non-union) need assessment by your orthopaedic team, who can advise whether shockwave therapy is appropriate.
When Do You Start Physiotherapy After Humerus Fracture?
Physiotherapy usually begins when your medical team advises, often once the brace or cast is removed, and aims to reduce pain, stiffness and weakness in the arm.
Humeral fractures can be accompanied by damage to the radial nerve, which runs along the shaft of the humerus. Any new weakness or numbness in the hand or wrist should be reported to your doctor.
What Exercises Can I Do With A Fractured Humerus?
The main goal of post-operative care after a humeral fracture is to regain normal function of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist.
After being in a cast for a number of weeks the arm can be weak and stiff, so is it important to restore range of motion, reduce any pain in the shoulder joint, and regain strength and function. physiotherapy will help with this.
Your physiotherapist can provide you with a programme tailored to you.
Exercises For Humeral Fractures – Early Rehab
- Wall spiders.
- Pendulum swings.
- Active assisted flexion and abduction of the shoulder with a sweeping brush.
If you have any questions about fracture treatment or physiotherapy, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
Book An Appointment Today
You’re in pain and you don’t know what to do.
We’ll assess you, explain what we find and talk you through your options.
Free parking is available at the back of the building, but spaces are limited and can’t be guaranteed at busy times.
Don’t let your pain control you – take control by visiting us today at Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy. Request an appointment now using the form below or call us directly at (01) 575 2623. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Visit Us In Dun Laoghaire, Dublin Ireland
Our physiotherapy & other services extend throughout Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown including Blackrock, Cherrywood, Stillorgan, Rathfarnham, Shankill, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Clonskeagh, and Killiney.
Our office is located just outside of the center of Dun Laoghaire and is between Deansgrange and Monkstown. You can find our building entrance on Lower Mounttown Road, across from Woodland Park. We are a 30-second walk from Dublin Bus stop 2031 which is outside of Mccormick’s Pub.
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References
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11580125/
[2] https://www.statpearls.com/articlelibrary/viewarticle/23046/