How Painful Is a Broken Shoulder?

Pain Levels Associated with a Broken Shoulder

Saying that a broken shoulder is extremely painful won’t give you an idea about the pain levels. Therefore, here are the types of shoulder fractures and the extent of pain they cause:

• Clavicle Fracture
  This type of fracture causes moderate to severe pain, usually rated between 6 and 8 on a pain scale of 1-10. It often leads to swelling, bruising, and a noticeable bump at the fracture site. While shoulder movement is limited, it is not as restricted as with other types of fractures.
• Proximal Humerus Fracture
  A fracture in the upper arm bone near the shoulder causes severe pain, often rated 8-10 on a pain scale. It is usually accompanied by significant swelling, extreme difficulty moving the shoulder, and intense pain. Bruising around the top of the arm is also common.
• Scapula Fracture
  Breaking the shoulder blade results in severe pain, typically rated 8-10 on a pain scale. This type of fracture causes swelling, deep bruising, and intense discomfort around the shoulder blade. Since scapula fractures usually happen from high-impact trauma, they often occur alongside other injuries.

Shoulder Fracture Treatment Without Surgery

Some shoulder fractures are treatable with non-invasive methods. However, severe cases require surgery. Non-invasive treatment options are:

• Immobilization
  A sling or swathe is used to keep the injured arm still, helping to reduce pain and prevent further movement. The arm is usually immobilized for 3 to 4 weeks, depending on how well the fracture is healing. Proper positioning is important to avoid putting extra stress on the injury.

  For example, fractures near the surgical neck may require the arm to be fully rotated inward, while fractures of the greater tuberosity need careful positioning to avoid strain on the shoulder muscles.

• Pain Management
  Pain can be controlled with over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs or acetaminophen. In addition, physical therapy plays a key role in recovery. Gentle exercises and movement therapy help reduce pain, restore shoulder function, and prevent stiffness as healing progresses.

7 Exercises to Do After a Shoulder Fracture

Physical exercises are highly beneficial in restoring your shoulder’s strength and mobility. Some of these include:

1. Supported Shoulder Rotation
   Keep your elbow in place and your shoulder blades pulled back. Move your forearm back and forth, using a stick or cane for support if needed. Do 10 repetitions per session, three times a day.
2. Shoulder Internal Rotation
   Use your other hand or a towel to help move your injured hand behind your back and across to the opposite side. This helps improve flexibility. Perform 10 repetitions per session, three times a day.
3. Shoulder Forward Elevation
   Raise your arm straight up toward the ceiling, keeping your elbow straight and leading with your thumb. This helps restore shoulder movement. Repeat 5 to 10 times per session, three times a day.
4. Doorway Stretch
   Stand in a doorway and place your hands on the door frame at shoulder height. Lean forward until you feel a gentle stretch in the front of your shoulder. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat three times a day.
5. External Shoulder Rotation with Resistance Band
   Hold a resistance band in both hands, keeping your elbows bent at your sides. Slowly rotate one arm outward while keeping the other still. Perform two sets of 12-15 repetitions three to four times a week.
6. Reverse Fly
   Stand with your feet hip-width apart and bend slightly forward. Let your arms hang down, then lift them out to the sides while squeezing your shoulder blades together. Do two sets of 12-15 repetitions three to four times a week.
7. Hand Circles
   Extend your arm straight out to the side at shoulder height and make small circles with your hand. Do five circles in each direction and repeat two to three times a day on each side.

Can You Break Your Shoulder and Still Move It?

Yes, you can move your broken shoulder. However, it will be nearly impossible to move it as far as you usually can. Therefore, you must refrain from moving it as it can also worsen your injury.