Rehabilitation Exercises for Shoulder Blade Fracture Recovery - Orthopedics

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Rehabilitation after a shoulder blade fracture, or scapular fracture, is crucial for restoring function and preventing long-term complications. Given that you are two months post-injury and can lift your arm but struggle with backward bending, it’s essential to focus on specific rehabilitation exercises that promote mobility, strength, and flexibility in the shoulder region.


Initial Considerations
Before starting any rehabilitation exercises, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to ensure that the fracture is healing properly. They may recommend imaging studies to assess the healing process. Additionally, warming up the shoulder area with heat therapy can help prepare the muscles and joints for movement, reducing the risk of injury during exercises.


Recommended Rehabilitation Exercises
1. Pendulum Exercises:
- Stand beside a table or chair for support. Lean forward slightly and let your affected arm hang down.
- Gently swing your arm in small circles, gradually increasing the size of the circles as tolerated.
- Perform this for 5-10 minutes, several times a day. This exercise helps to promote mobility without putting too much strain on the shoulder.

2. Pulley Exercises:
- Use a pulley system or a resistance band anchored above your head.
- With your unaffected arm, pull down on the pulley or band while allowing your affected arm to rise gently.
- This exercise can help improve the range of motion in your shoulder while minimizing discomfort. Aim for 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 times a day.

3. Wall Climbing:
- Stand facing a wall and use your fingers to "climb" up the wall.
- Start with your fingers at waist height and gradually walk them up the wall as high as you can go without pain.
- Hold the position for a few seconds before walking your fingers back down. Repeat this 5-10 times.

4. Shoulder Flexion and Extension:
- While seated or standing, use a light weight or no weight at all.
- For flexion, raise your arm in front of you to shoulder height, then lower it back down.
- For extension, move your arm backward as far as you can without pain.
- Perform 10-15 repetitions for each movement, focusing on controlled motions.

5. External Rotation:
- Use a resistance band for this exercise.
- Keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle and close to your body.
- Rotate your forearm outward, away from your body, and then return to the starting position.
- Aim for 10-15 repetitions, ensuring that you do not experience pain.

6. Scapular Retraction:
- Sit or stand with your arms at your sides.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds before releasing.
- Repeat this 10-15 times to strengthen the muscles around the scapula.


Progression and Monitoring
As you progress, it’s important to listen to your body. If you experience pain during any of these exercises, stop and consult your healthcare provider. Gradually increase the intensity and range of motion as your shoulder becomes more comfortable.

Conclusion
Rehabilitation after a shoulder blade fracture is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can improve your shoulder mobility and strength over time. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially following an injury, to ensure that you are on the right path to recovery.