Recovering from a broken clavicle, also known as a collarbone fracture, requires a careful and gradual approach to rehabilitation. The clavicle plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability, and improper healing or inadequate rehabilitation can lead to long-term strength and mobility issues. A well-structured exercise program, under the guidance of a healthcare professional or physical therapist, is essential for optimal recovery.
Immediate Post-Injury Phase (0-2 weeks)
During the initial phase after the injury, the primary focus is on minimizing pain and allowing the bone to start healing. This period involves:
- Pain Management: Use of ice, medication as prescribed by a doctor, and rest to manage pain and discomfort.
- Immobilization: Wearing a sling to immobilize the arm and reduce movement of the clavicle, which helps in the initial healing process.
- Gentle Mobility Exercises: Once the pain starts to subside, gentle exercises can be initiated to prevent stiffness. These might include:
- Passive Shoulder Movements: A physical therapist or another person moves the patient’s arm through various ranges of motion without the patient using their muscles.
- Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing to improve lung expansion and prevent complications like pneumonia.
Subacute Phase (2-6 weeks)
As the fracture begins to heal, the focus shifts towards regaining range of motion, reducing stiffness, and gradually introducing strength exercises. This phase may include:
- Active-Assisted Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Using a towel or strap to assist in moving the arm through various motions (e.g., flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation) without putting direct strain on the clavicle.
- Isometric Exercises: Contracting the muscles without moving the joint, such as shoulder blade squeezes and wall push-ups (with the arms bent and against a wall to reduce strain).
- Pendulum Exercises: With the arm in a sling, gently swinging the arm in small circles, first clockwise and then counterclockwise, to help maintain shoulder mobility.
Strengthening Phase (6-12 weeks)
Once there’s significant progress in healing and mobility, the focus turns to strengthening the muscles around the shoulder and clavicle. Exercises might include:
- Resistance Band Exercises: Using resistance bands for exercises like shoulder rotations, arm raises, and shoulder blade squeezes.
- Light Weight Training: Gradually introducing light dumbbells for exercises such as shoulder presses, lateral raises, and front raises.
- Scapular Strengthening: Exercises that target the muscles of the scapula (shoulder blade), such as rows and shoulder blade squeezes, are crucial for overall shoulder stability.
Advanced Phase (After 12 weeks)
In the final stages of rehabilitation, the aim is to restore full strength, mobility, and function. This may involve:
- High-Intensity Strength Training: Increasing the intensity of strength exercises to build muscle strength around the shoulder.
- Functional Activities: Incorporating exercises that mimic daily activities or sports-specific movements to prepare the individual for return to normal function or sport.
- Proprioception and Balance Exercises: Exercises that challenge balance and proprioception (the perception of the position and movement of one’s body) to improve overall shoulder function and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Key Considerations
- Professional Guidance: It’s crucial to work with a healthcare provider or physical therapist to tailor the rehabilitation program to the individual’s specific needs and progress.
- Pain as a Guide: If an exercise causes significant pain, it should be stopped or modified.
- Patience: Recovery from a broken clavicle takes time, and rushing through the rehabilitation process can lead to prolonged recovery or further injury.
By following a structured and gradual exercise program, individuals can ensure the best possible recovery from a broken clavicle, minimizing the risk of long-term complications and optimizing return to full function and activity level.
