Fractured Humerus

What Is a Fractured Humerus?

A fractured humerus is a break in the upper arm bone. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process, helping to restore strength, mobility, and function after the injury.

What Causes a Fractured Humerus?

Fractures of the humerus most often occur from falling onto an outstretched hand. They can also result from a direct impact or blow to the upper arm.

Above: Therapist perfoming gentle passive mobilisation exercises on the glenohumaral joint

Symptoms of a Fractured Humerus

A fractured humerus typically causes intense pain, swelling, and bruising in the upper arm or shoulder. Additional symptoms may include stiffness, weakness, numbness, muscle spasms, and tingling or pins-and-needles sensations.

What Not to Do If You Have a Fractured Humerus

If you suspect a humerus fracture, avoid any activities that could cause the broken bone ends to move. Do not use the injured arm until it has been assessed in an accident and emergency department. Also, avoid actions that increase blood flow to the area, such as hot showers, heat rubs, massage, or alcohol consumption, as these may increase bleeding and delay recovery.

What to Do If You Have a Fractured Humerus

A humerus fracture is a serious injury. Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest accident and emergency department. To help manage pain and control swelling before treatment, you can apply ice to the upper arm. Use crushed ice wrapped in a moist towel or cloth for up to 20 minutes at a time, taking care to avoid direct contact with the skin.

Above: Our physiotherapists will support you in order for you to regain range of motion in your affected joint following an injury.

Physiotherapy for a Fractured Humerus

Initial management of a fractured humerus takes place in an accident and emergency department. An X-ray is used to confirm the fracture and assess its severity. The first step is to stabilise the fracture to allow proper healing. If the bone is in a satisfactory position, this is usually done with a cast. If not, surgical fixation may be required to correctly align the bone.

Once the initial hospital care is complete, the physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports will assess your injury, estimate your healing timeline, and develop a personalised treatment program. Physiotherapy often includes:

  • Sports injury rehabilitation
  • Postural realignment
  • Soft tissue therapy
  • Taping techniques

Long-Term Effects of a Fractured Humerus

Most humeral fractures heal without complications, and with proper physiotherapy, patients typically make a full recovery once the cast is removed. In some cases, stiffness in the shoulder joint—commonly referred to as frozen shoulder—may develop, which can delay recovery but can still be fully resolved with treatment. Rarely, the bone ends may fail to unite, requiring surgical intervention or additional therapies to stimulate healing.

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.

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