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Contributor
Posts: 70
Registered: ‎07-24-2016

I  fractured my upper humerus in January.   It's been 3 months an xray shows it is healed.  I've gone thru 8 weeks of physical therapy and I still don't have full motion of the arm.  Doctor recommends more therapy.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,708
Registered: ‎12-01-2023

@marip wrote:

I  fractured my upper humerus in January.   It's been 3 months an xray shows it is healed.  I've gone thru 8 weeks of physical therapy and I still don't have full motion of the arm.  Doctor recommends more therapy.


I'm so sorry you're going through this.  I hope it's not still too painful.  Maybe if you do more therapy it will help.  I'd let them know that maybe some additional massage may also be beneficial during physical therapy.

I wish you all the best and please let us know what happens.💝🌸

Honored Contributor
Posts: 23,695
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

It's been YEARS since they have healed...but I still have shooting pains that feel like they have an electrical charge...in those formerly broken bones.

♥Surface of the Sun♥
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,050
Registered: ‎03-15-2021

I hope you keep improving. I suspect a break that significant will need time especially since your arm was immobile for a while. Perhaps asking the PT to address your concerns would help.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,097
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@marip   I had a closed fracture of the humerus in early December.  6 weeks or so after surgery I started PT, mostly 3x per week.  My routine visits and xrays also show that my fracture has healed...but I still do not have full range of motion...even after months of therapy.

 

I see the surgeon again next week and I don't know if he will request more pt or not.  I have not have therapy for about 10 days but I do my exercises at home.

 

It is a bit frustrating that I am not back to 100%, but from what I understand, that probably will not happen.  I still have pain in the upper part of the shoulder as well as a heavy feeling from the middle of the upper arm to the top of the shoulder.  Doctor might give me a shot for inflamation when I see him.

 

One of the most painful exercises is putting my arm behind me, palm out...to the middle of my back and hold for 30 seconds....

 

From what I understand (may not be true) if you have reached your goals, you will be discharged from therapy.  My notes indicate that I have not met all the goals but honestly, I don't want to continue therapy...I am still working and it is hard to leave work mid day...as long as I am consistent with my at home exercises I think I will be ok. 

 

Reaching into my kitchen cupboards has gotten easier but the 2nd shelf still causes discomfort....

 

take care

Valued Contributor
Posts: 516
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I suffered an impacted humerus fracture 5 months ago. I have been told repeatedly by doctors & PT's that this is a very difficult injury to come back from, and the recovery can take 6-12 months. All true. It's important to be both patient & proactive. 

Did you have surgery?  What progress do you see in the monthly evaluations? What do your doctors & PT say about your concerns? Are their expectations in line with your goals? 

Soft tissue massage to prevent adhesions & get the fascia moving is very important, @cheriere is absolutely right about that.

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,219
Registered: ‎06-13-2010

Awwww.❤ I can imagine how frustrating this must be for you!😐 It sometimes takes awhile to regain full range of motion following bone surgery; particularly when scar tissue around the joint is involved. The most important thing is to adhere to the treatment plan prescribed. I am hoping your next update will be that additional therapy therapy was successful for you.🤞🤞🤗

 

 

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,770
Registered: ‎01-02-2011

Re: Fractured Humerus

[ Edited ]

I shattered my humerus so badly in a fall that it required a total shoulder replacemen in 2008.  The mobility never fully returned and I still have pain with it.  I did the recommended PT. 

I had another fall 10 years later, with the same results.  

Shoulders are difficult for many of us to fully recover from.  

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,957
Registered: ‎12-14-2018

@marip   So sorry you're having to go through this and I hope you have complete in the near future.  It is my personal experience that three months is not enough time for total healing. I will tell you what my PCP told me when I was going through orthopedic surgeries ~ "physical therapy is your best friend right now and take as much of it that you can get".  
Wishing you good luck on your healing journey ...

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,286
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@marip wrote:

I  fractured my upper humerus in January.   It's been 3 months an xray shows it is healed.  I've gone thru 8 weeks of physical therapy and I still don't have full motion of the arm.  Doctor recommends more therapy.


 

@marip I'm sorry to hear that. I sustained a very painful shoulder and two humerus fractures after a nasty fall about 2½ years ago. I refused surgery, had 6 weeks of PT (which I started "early" because my healing progress was so good), was religious about doing prescribed exercises at home (even adding more), and was lucky enough to regain full range of motion, and I've remained pain-free.

 

There are many reasons for different outcomes, but I would definitely continue with the PT. Good luck!

 

 



The pain they have cost us, the evils that never happened.