Proximal Humerus Fracture Weeks 1-3 | Starting the Shoulder Rehab Process | Phase I

Welcome! You are here because you had quite a fall and need some guidance on your shoulder injury. I'm excited to be a part of your shoulder physical therapy process.

About 80% of proximal humeral fractures are called non-displaced. A non-displaced fracture is where the broken bones remain in their correct anatomical position. Non-displaced and minimally displaced fractures can usually be treated successfully without surgery. Surgery to align and possibly bind together with plates and/or pins may be necessary when bones are displaced from their normal positions. Treatment of displaced fractures in the senior population is controversial due to poor bone healing. Screwing into these bones can be like screwing into Balsa wood.

Why would I make a video series addressing this rare condition knowing I wouldn't get enough views to pay for the production of the series? Well, my story began when my mom broke her humeral head while running in the woods. Physical therapy and the orthopedic surgeon were good for knowing milestones, making sure she wasn't going to hurt herself at each stage but felt incomplete as far as a structured daily regiment that was sustainable. The weight of her rehab fell on me and the whole process made me realize that there were people, like you, out there suffering and feeling bewildered with the shoulder rehab process.

So, between your physical therapist, orthopedist and my videos, you are going to have great success. After the 13 proximal shoulder fracture rehab videos, there are no-weight and weighted shoulder strengthening videos on my site to guide you pack to lifting, throwing, swimming and hugging again. Don't give up. This is a long process that can take as long as a year to get back to pre-injury status.

Link for Theracane

Lacrosse Ball

0:00 Start
:10 Humerus Fracture Rehabilitation Warning
:54 Neck Mobilizations
2:36 Massage Pectoralis Minor Muscle
3:24 Trapezius Massage
4:09 Self Massage on Your Neck
4:45 Light and Easy Scapular Rolls
6:25 Finger Flexion and Extension Exercises
7:00 Wrist Flexion and Extension
7:25 Wrist Pronation and Supination
8:18 Wrist Circular Motions
8:48 Nodding Head
9:50 Clock Movements of the Shoulder

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

[rasmivancollinson]

Hi Dr Fields. I fractured my proximal humerus whilst cycling on Saturday and was diagnosed after a visit to A&E on Sunday. It is the first time I've fractured a bone, so all new pain game and swelling. As a cyclist training for endurance events these past few days since the accident have been a challenge. I have had an assessment at the orthopaedics yesterday and they informed me no surgery required which is good news and told me that physio rehab will start in 2 weeks. So whilst waiting it was wonderful to find this video and to begin some gentle exercises and have that feeling I'm getting better and starting on the road to recovery. Very grateful for this wonderful resource, and so well explained and demonstrated. Hoping for a full recovery and to get back cycling at the later part of the summer - here's hoping for a proper late summer here in England 😎🚴

[onthevergeonline]

Broke my humerus bone while restoring my house, an old Irish cottage friday 02/02/24. I fell off my stairs missing my side step and fell all my weight on my shoulder. Clean fracture at the top of my humerus. Week 1 I felt better very quickmy - I’m making bone broth from ox tail, drinking a cup morning and evening, taking oyster shell pills, omega, calcium, d vit, zinc
My scan after ten days shows that’s it is healing in place and Dr was impressed that I had no pain when he pressed his fingers on my shoulder. Today it’s two weeks since accident and I’m feeling a bit down, wondering if I’ll ever recover fully when last week I was like yes and I’ll be back on handstands in no time :) thank you so much for your videos

[kimgoode]

I’m a 56yo female. I tripped and fell walking to work in a hurry yesterday. Had new multi-focal glass on. I’m amazed at how quick and easy it was to break my arm. 😂.. So anyway, thanks so much for being here. All of a sudden strength training and bone heath post menopause has become VERY important to me. I’ll be spending a lot of time on this channel no doubt 😁👍 Blessings to all on this journey of recovery and to ongoing better health! ❤

[myla]

Thank you!
No family. Was widowed some years ago and have no children. My age plus various chronic pain issues for many years has resulted in no friends. Oddly my neighbours haven't noticed my sling very much. One told me how she had a nasty cold and after 5 mins said "oh, what have you done?" No offers of help followed. Not that I'd have taken them up, but it would have been nice if she had.
So somehow managing on my own with right arm in a pretty poor way and left hand with thumb arthritis! Some tissue damage around elbow slowing things up a bit. And painkillers that don't seem to do much.

Anyhow it's been 2 months. Slowly getting back mobility and strength. It's nice to have found you.

[MsCpizza]

Thank you, Thank you. I fractured my humerus on Feb. 15th. my horse bolted as I was getting off. ER sent me home for a week with a sling and pain pills until I could see Orthopedic Dr. the very next day I was researching on YouTube and ran across your video. You have helped me so much. I watch 3 times per day. To have something to follow along with is so helpful.

[wrat]

Hello my name is Yoto, I’m 37 yo from Sofia, Bulgaria. I fractured my proximal humerus, going back home, I fell from an electric scooter. I underwent surgery three days ago and I’m starting my recovery journey. I am a very active person and I go hiking, cycling and rafting a lot, and l have been in a lot of extreme and life threatening situations, but dumb accidents happen when you least expect. Thank you for these videos I will be following them all.
To all you people, who have suffered injuries, my message is this: Never give up, never surrender and you will get through every obstacle in your life, be persistent. Listen to your doctors, because they know better. I wish you all full and speedy recovery.

[babiejo]

Just found your channel the other day and I’m so grateful to have found your channel! I fractured my right humerus bone on March 9th. My husband and I were getting off the golf course in our cart and he tried to avoid hitting another cart and I got thrown out and fell hard on my right shoulder and side. I suffered a mild concussion as well. Grateful to have not to have surgery, but I ain’t going to lie, this has been challenging for sure. I’m thankful too that I’m left handed so I can least you that arm and hand. I’m 63 and I have always been active and exercise 6 days a week. I’m sure my being fit kept me from having a worse injury. I do enjoy your calming demeanor and your positive mode of walking us through each move. I do see an upper cervical chiropractor for a different issue which has resolved through perseverance and a positive attitude! Thank you again and I look forward to complete healing with your guidance! Blessings☺️

[dahliavanaken]

Thank you, endlessly! I cried like a baby, doing the exercise, from releasing so much tension! I fell down a 2 meter high ladder and got operated a week ago, have wires in my humerus and a sling...there was still so much tension, from the trauma...and the exercises help a lot, as well as your positive compassion. Thank you soo much!

[Swiftswift]

Hi Dr Fields well here’s my story! I had another injury (ankle) and just had an ultrasound for the podiatrist. That night I was having throbbing pain along with a headache. I had a pain killer tucked away the podiatrist had given me. I pulled the kitchen chair to give me a little boost and that’s all she wrote.. I found myself flat face down on the floor. I am 2 weeks post shoulder injury and I will say this is THE most painful experience I have ever gone through. My orthopedic surgeon gave me some advice and so told him about coming across your videos. Today my pity party lasted longer than 5 minutes but thank you for giving that grace! Thank you ❤

[parvanehholloway]

Hello, Dr Feilds, I am pleased to have found your video series today. I fractured my proximal humerus ( minimal displacement ) 4 weeks ago. I start physiotherapy next week, but I will use your videos every day. Your instructions are excellent, thank you for making it available. I am confident that I will be able to heal much faster under your instructions. It is my right arm, and being a painter and jeweller, I am very committed to healing. I fell when travelling looking at my phone, something I usually never do being that I walk every day :( lesson learnt. Thanks again, Parvaneh

[mabelki]

I wished I know about this video earlier. I'm 7-8 weeks after my injury. I was injured from a slip at home, Fell right on my right side. The humerus took the worst of the fall and was broken. I also had trauma on my right hip but it was luckily not broken. Thanks for the video. Thank you so much for the video, especially the positive and caring energy. I will certainly be following your other videos!

[sharlaekvall]

I took a tumble 2 weeks ago when I got caught in the lawn mower pull cord and landed on my shoulder in the driveway and have this fracture. I am very motivated to improve as I will have a new grand baby to hold in July! I’m sure my doc will prescribe physical therapy, but I’m so glad to have something to follow along with in the meantime. You have a very gentle manner. Thank you!

[LDilore]

I’m at one week. Slip and fall. So glad to find you. I was feeling like I should do something!

[rufusred]

It's been so helpful to read other people's stories, and to do your exercises Dr. Fields. I am a 60 yo former classical ballet dancer with a prosthetic hip. 5 days ago, I tripped on a Manhattan sidewalk and fell full weight onto my right shoulder, fracturing my humeris. Besides the shock of this trauma, I can't work, meaning, no $$ coming in. I WAS ALREADY behind on rent, uh oh, I'm in a pickle. I was alone and terrified but I managed to get to emergency care via Uber. I was in so much pain, they injected morphine into my arm, it slightly relaxed me but the pain was still felt. X-rays confirmed the break and I was appointed a surgeon uptown at 8:30 a.m. By 3:30, I was just getting comfortable when I was discharged. I asked to stay until my appointment, but no, I was released into the cold. Back home, waited, then onto the surgeon. 4 Uber rides, and $100+ later, I was in a sling, medicated and now the waiting game. My pain has greatly reduced and I see the doctor in 9 days. This video will be played no doubt repeatedly. Thank you Dr. Fields.

[sallykingery]

Thanks so much Dr Fields, I broke both my humerus bones skiing a week and a half ago. 72 year old female, but fortunately no surgery and one arm has the clamshell brace. Pain hasn’t been too bad and it was so cool to find your videos. Just lovely with the music and inspiration. Unfortunately can’t do the self massage etc, but everything else. Hoping to heal quickly since my husband has to do everything, 🥰 with appreciation and gratitude, Sally

[AvanLingen]

Hi Dr Fields. Had a accident about a week ago. I dislocated my shoulder and fractured my proximal humerus in two places which required surgery. Been googling around and I'm glad I stumbled upon your videos. Keep up the good work.

[alisonmiller]

Hello Dr Fields, thank you for your videos. I'm ready to move on the the next stage now. I broke my humerus in two places - an avulsion fracture to the greater tuberosity and a surgical neck fracture, minimally displaced. I fell on my morning walk when the loop of my left bootlace caught on a hook on my right boot - through my trousers! - and I fell heavily on the road. What are the chances? The orthopaedic surgeon said I didn't need an operation, but should do physio exercises. Yours have been a great help. Good to have your company and guidance through the exercises. Whenever you get to the mantra, 'I'm getting better every day..., ' I sing it to the Beatles song, 'It's getting better all the time...better, better, better...' Thanks again.

[tesscarl]

Broke my left shoulder Nov 2023 falling off horse. No surgery, just sling. Didn't find your videos until about week 7. Just broke right shoulder, almost a year to the day later, leading a horse that startled and ran over me. Can't make this up! So glad I know about these videos. Second verse same as the first! Here I go! Thank you so much for providing this series!

[IAmSallyNieves]

Thank you so much for these videos I just found you yesterday and have already done the video 4x I felt a little more sore the 4th time around, not sure why but I also tried not taking my meds until I absolutely had to.

I was celebrating my friend’s bday and we were being silly together, I have this thing where I love giving piggyback rides & I was telling her how proud of myself I was for getting to 250 lbs on the leg press machine at the gym, next thing you know I’m giving her a piggyback ride and it was raining out, we were two steps away from my front door when I stepped on slippery ground lost my balance and fell forward towards a wall with her on top of me. I fell unconscious for a couple of seconds and when I came to I was in excruciating paid. My boyfriend rushed me to the hospital & we discovered I had a spiral fracture on my humerus, completely broken. The worst pain I have ever felt in my life, they admitted me into the hospital and I spent about 3-4 days there, had surgery the day after being admitted & now have a titanium rod in my arm. This has been a very difficult and painful time for me as everything has slowed down, I’ve had to cancel my boyfriend’s bday plans this week since traveling to an island just doesn’t seem like an option & I’m praying I’ll be healed enough to fully participate in my maid of honor duties for my best friend’s wedding in June. My soft cast was removed last Monday & I’ve been trying to get an appointment to start physical therapy, my wrist and hand can barely move from being in a cast, surgery was 2/26/23 now I’m just sporting a wrist brace & sling, so grateful I found your videos to help while I get my physical therapy situated, you are a blessing.

Also I wanted to ask about the bone strengthening vitamins you mentioned I didn’t see a link for them in the description. Thanks so much!

[BadMommaC]

Hi, I'm 70, put my arm out to stop a fall 6 wks ago. I have a displaced fracture that was treated surgically with a nail and pins. I found these videos a week or so ago. They seem to fit well with what my doctor and OT prescribed. The neck stretches and self massage are really helpful. Thanks for doing these!