Proximal Humerus Fracture Weeks 8-9 | Broomstick Shoulder Mobilization & Strengthening | Phase VII

Phase VII
Welcome to phase VII of your shoulder rehabilitation. You are approximately 6 to 9 weeks post shoulder fracture and, hopefully, you have been following this physical therapy series since the beginning. This video is focuses on passive range of motion exercises. 6 weeks post shoulder fracture is a key marker as your bones are expected to be fully healed now unless you have a fracture non-union and, if that is the case, you are not yet ready for this and I recommend some ESWT therapy to help the bone fragments fuse together.

Assuming the humerus bone is now healed, these passive range of motion (PROM) exercises are helping to keep the shoulder flexible as it is ease to get frozen shoulder or shoulder impingement from misplaced and inflexible scar tissue or adhesions forming in the glenohumeral. acromioclavicular (A/C) joints and in the surrounding tissues of the suprapinatus tendon, biceps tendon and even the chondrosternal joints.

A non displaced proximal humerus fracture is a break in the bone near your shoulder joint or fracture of the upper arm where the pieces of bone at the fracture site are separated, but not out of position.
A displaced fracture is when the pieces of bone at the fracture site are separated and shifted out of position. This type of fracture typically requires surgery. A break more towards the elbow would be a humerus shaft fracture.

Most likely, you had a fall on your hand and the force went up to the head of your humerus and it broke. If there is no separation of the bones, and only a break, then surgery is usually not indicated and this is where this shoulder rehabilitation series will be great for you. Welcome to your virtual physical therapy for your shoulder complex.

NOTE: DO ALL AT YOUR OWN RISK.

To help with healing, get on a vitamin D3 and K2 supplement. Vitamin K2 contributes to mitochondrial health, bone density health, vision support, cardiac function support, and more!
The MEGAQuinD3 by Microbiome Labs is my preferred.
pw: drfields

If the statistics are correct, you may very well have osteoporosis and, along with the supplements, I like a more alkaline diet, some sunlight and, eventually, some weight bearing exercise. With the over age 60 population, the most common fractures are of the hips, then the wrist and the third most common fracture is the proximal humerus. Welcome to the club : ).... and now welcome to your come-back!

These 4 stretching and pain relief videos can be attempted after your fracture is confirmed healed on x-ray (Week 5-7):

This Playlist (Please give to your healthcare provider and people who need it)

After phase XIII:

0:00 Start
:20 Broomstick Shoulder Flexion Stretch
:50 Broomstick Shoulder Extension Stretch
1:35 Broomstick Horizontal Abduction Stretch
2:04 90° Broomstick External Rotation Stretch
2:48 Broomstick Serratus Muscle Shoulder Extension Stretch
3:45 Broomstick Anterior Deltoid Stretch
5:24 Bent Over Rowing with Broomstick
6:20 Palms Down Elbow Flexion Brachialis Muscle Exercise with Broomstick
7:10 Bilateral Shoulder Extension Exercise with Broomstick
8:20 Arm Swing
8:45 Palms Down Elbow Flexion Brachialis Muscle Exercise with Broomstick
9:45 Founder with Prayer Lift Exercise
10:30 Bent over Rowing
11:20 Bento over Arm Circles
11:56 Hip to Hip or Hip to Butt Movement
12:19 Neck Lateral Flexion and Rotations
14:08 Chin Tucks
14:30 Hip to Shoulder Movements
15:56 Self Massage on Shoulder

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

[MsCpizza]

I went to physical therapy today and was told to do the broom stick exercises. It is so much easier to follow along with you. I love your words of encouragement. I am 68 years old.

[Dharmacats]

Hi Dr. Fields, I am 60 years old and broke my left humorus in 2 places on Thanksgiving Day, slipped on rocks near shore. I love your videos and positive commentary. Thank you for helping me feel less alone in my recovery from this very scary fall!

[tinabirdshafer]

Love your work and especially your "motivational sayings". Sometimes I get pretty down when things arent moving as fast. Im a musician and I broke my Humerous in 4 places and it's my playing arm!! Thank you for this!!

[AvrilSword]

Hello Dr. Fields, I am 60 and was in a car wreck on Aug. 14 (head on crash with a drunk driver). Multiple injuries including humerus fracture. Had surgery and was getting PT and OT but after 20 sessions health insurance refused any more so very thankful for your exercises and your encouragement.

[suewales]

Dear Adam, I’m the 82 year old English artist, back again! I slipped and fell breaking my pelvis, slow recovery but getting there. But realise that my shoulder crashed at the same time, that and crutches haven’t helped, so here I am again following you on you tube, you have become like an old gentle friend… thank you!

[LoisPrewitt-um]

I am a 71 year old female. I fell and broke my right proximal humerus on Oct 15, 2023. I feel like it aged me years! I really like doing the exercises alongside you. I have just started with the broom stick, and those are doozies! I think my progress is good and the Dr always seems surprised and pleased with my progress. Thank you for sharing your videos.

[RobertCuthbertson-mf]

8 weeks since my Proximal Humerus fracture and shoulder injury caused by a mountain bike fall whilst on holiday in Spain. Following your tuitional videos religiously, amazed at how quickly my mobility is returning especially at the age of 73. Already able to ride a mountain bike again albeit on smooth non technical trails your instructions and encouragement are fantastic.

[margaretbutler-dmfv]

I’m 86 fractured my humerus 3 months ago been following your videos really helpful thank you 🙏

[debilankford]

Thank you again, Dr. Fields! I left a comment on an earlier session about recovering from multiple fractures in the past year, and wanted to let you know that I am now on Session 8-9, and seeing such great progress. The exercises coupled with your positive words of reinforcement have truly been a blessing! I am 68, and appreciate all of the time and effort that you brought to the healing process.

[laurencem]

I thank you for sharing the exercises for the rehabilitation of a fracture of the humerus but also for your advice on strength and kindness towards oneself. I often come to look for content outside my country. Your content is really good. thanks again.

[yogawithleeatwell]

Awesome! I look forward to practicing this sequence, Dr. Fields! I’m probably a week away from many of these, but week by week I’m getting there. Grateful for your positive encouragement!

[jolinton]

I’m 66 and just want to thank you for making these videos. 7 weeks into recovery and inspired to be better than before my fracture.

[Lifeaftergoldenyear]

Wow you have such easy and yet so effective exercises. I have been dealing with frozen shoulder for last 4 months and none have helped me. Your exercises have started having effect from day one ! Thank you so much

[Manateesmile]

9 weeks ago I tripped, and while trying to get my legs up under me and gaining momentum, I went “airborne” and landed directly on my shoulder on cement garage floor. I was carrying items in both arms. So my shoulder took direct hit, I heard the crack, couldn’t move, it was the worst pain I’ve felt in my entire life. ( I’ve given birth twice, all natural, no pain killers, and have had 14 surgeries!) The fracture was clean through the surgical neck of proximal humerus, and the greater tuberosity. So fortunate the breaks were not displaced!! Especially after undergoing rotator cuff repair and biceps tenodesis surgery 10 months ago on apposite shoulder. Your videos have helped me through this !! Thank you! ❤

[suzanneasher]

I am 59 raising 3 grandchildren no longer have car thank you for your videos couldn't have got this far without you especially with out a car so God bless you

[justsaying]

Thank u Doctor so much your videos helped me alot i am now 2 month recovery after my shoulder accident feel much love your positive vibes ❤

[patriciawright]

Hey Dr. Adam

I’ve been following your series from the beginning and I have to say that you’re truly an amazing inspiration and encouragement.

I’ve been struggling with surrendering to the process and it’s been hard mentally. So not only is my arm coming along but your positivity has helped me to accept the process.

God bless you and know that you’re blessing many I’m sure ❤️‍🩹🙏🏼☺️

[robindemers]

8 weeks since this 70 yr old female missed the bottom basement step and fell onto the concrete floor; OUCH! These exercises are very helpful. I love your comments, encouragement, and smiles. By the way, I have never used a broom so much in my life, lol. Have a super day.

[Mauivavi]

I am so thankful for your videos found them at week 4 thanks to reddit, I broke my humerus on a roadbike had to have surgery, your videos are not only good but a great motivator to keep going, Thank you.

[pearlmintzer]

You should do some pool exercises with weights for this. I had a fractured humerus at the joint. I used your videos but still use the pool with pool weights. The pool has really helped with range of motion. Because I used your videos everyday I graduated from PT after 3 sessions. Thank You