Fractured Humerus
A fractured humerus is a break in the upper arm bone that connects the shoulder to the elbow. This injury commonly occurs after a fall, direct impact, or high-energy trauma. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in recovery by restoring shoulder and arm mobility, rebuilding muscle strength, and helping patients safely return to normal daily activities.
What is a Fractured Humerus?
The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm that extends from the shoulder joint to the elbow joint. It plays a key role in arm movement and supports activities such as lifting, pushing, and reaching.
A fractured humerus occurs when this bone cracks or breaks due to trauma or excessive force. The fracture can occur in different parts of the bone:
- Proximal humerus fracture – occurs near the shoulder joint
- Humeral shaft fracture – occurs along the middle part of the bone
- Distal humerus fracture – occurs near the elbow joint
The severity of the fracture can vary from a small crack to a complete break with displaced bone fragments.
How Does a Fractured Humerus Happen?
A humerus fracture usually occurs due to sudden trauma or strong force applied to the arm.
Common causes include:
- Falling onto an outstretched hand
- Direct impact to the upper arm
- Sports injuries
- Road traffic accidents
- High-impact falls
- Falls in older adults with weakened bones
In elderly individuals, osteoporosis can increase the risk of fractures even after minor falls.
What Are the Symptoms of a Fractured Humerus?
Symptoms of a humerus fracture often appear immediately after the injury.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the upper arm or shoulder
- Swelling around the upper arm
- Bruising or discoloration
- Limited arm movement
- Weakness in the shoulder or arm
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness or tingling in the arm
- Stiffness in the shoulder or elbow
In some cases, moving the arm may become extremely painful or difficult.
What Should I Do If I Have a Fractured Humerus?
A fractured humerus requires urgent medical evaluation.
If you suspect this injury:
- Avoid moving or using the injured arm
- Support the arm with a sling if possible
- Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes to reduce swelling
- Seek immediate medical attention at a hospital or emergency department
Doctors usually confirm the fracture using X-rays, and additional imaging such as CT scans may be used if necessary.
Physiotherapy Treatment for a Fractured Humerus
After the fracture is stabilised through a cast, sling, or surgery, physiotherapy becomes essential for restoring arm function.
Immobilisation can lead to joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and reduced shoulder mobility, which physiotherapy helps address.
Physiotherapy treatment may include:
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises to restore shoulder and elbow movement
- Strengthening exercises for the shoulder, arm, and forearm muscles
- Postural correction exercises to improve shoulder alignment
- Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tightness
- Taping techniques to support joint stability
- Sports injury rehabilitation for return to activity
- Functional training to restore daily arm movements
At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, physiotherapists design personalised rehabilitation programmes to support safe and effective recovery.
What Should I Avoid With a Fractured Humerus?
To prevent complications and support healing, certain activities should be avoided.
Avoid the following:
- Using the injured arm before medical assessment
- Lifting heavy objects
- Sudden or uncontrolled arm movements
- Heat treatments during the early injury phase
- Massage directly over the fracture site
- Alcohol consumption immediately after injury
Following medical advice and completing physiotherapy exercises are important for proper recovery.
Can There Be Long-Term Effects?
Most humerus fractures heal successfully within several weeks to a few months with proper treatment.
However, in some cases, complications may occur, including:
- Shoulder stiffness
- Reduced arm mobility
- Muscle weakness
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Delayed bone healing
- Non-union of the fracture
A structured physiotherapy programme significantly reduces these risks and helps restore full arm function.
Why Choose ACE Physio Sports
At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in orthopaedic rehabilitation, sports injuries, and post-fracture recovery.
Our clinic offers:
- Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists
- Personalised rehabilitation programmes
- Evidence-based physiotherapy treatments
- Structured recovery plans for upper limb injuries
Conveniently located near East Coast Road, we regularly treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.
Book an Appointment
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm above my head?
Overhead pain is one of the most common shoulder complaints and can be caused by conditions like Fractured Humerus. It often involves impingement of tendons or bursa in the subacromial space. Physiotherapy addresses the root cause through posture correction and progressive rotator cuff strengthening.
Can physiotherapy fix my shoulder problem without surgery?
Most shoulder conditions — including Fractured Humerus — respond very well to physiotherapy. Treatment may include manual therapy, rotator cuff exercises, and scapular stabilisation. Surgery is considered only when conservative treatment has been given a full, consistent trial.
How long before I can sleep on my shoulder again?
Sleeping on the affected side is often the last comfort to return during shoulder rehabilitation. Most patients regain this within 4–8 weeks as pain and inflammation settle. A firmly placed pillow under the arm can help in the meantime.
Ready to start your recovery?
Our specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Book a consultation today.
Book an Appointment