Arm fractures occur with a break in either the upper bone of the arm, called the humerus, or in the lower bones of the forearm, known as the radius and the ulna. Over 750,000 people in the United States seek treatment for arm fractures from orthopedic doctors each year. There are different options for treating arm fractures, and the length of treatment depends on the severity of the break. Rehabilitation exercises may be included as part of the treatment process.
Identification
Arm fractures typically occur due to a direct blow to the arm, such as in a motor vehicle accident or by falling on an outstretched hand. Healing an arm fracture involves either casting the arm for immobilization or surgery to put the bones back in place. According to Intelihealth of Aetna, arm fractures may take between four and 12 weeks to heal. After this time, the arm muscles may become atrophied or stiff, and arm exercises can help to build back some strength and flexibility.
Types
There are several types of rehabilitation exercises that you may perform while recovering from an arm fracture. Range of motion and stretching exercises will move your arm and promote circulation to the site. Sit in a chair and raise your arms straight out and up to shoulder level, keeping your palms facing forward. Hold the position for three seconds and then slowly lower your arms. Another exercise involves standing with the hand of your unaffected arm on your hip. With your healing arm, bend at the elbow and reach behind to place your hand at the small of your back. Use your fingers to walk your hand up toward your shoulder blade until you feel a stretch. Begin each of these exercises with five repetitions daily, slowly increasing in number until you reach 20 repetitions a day.
Goals
The goals of rehabilitation exercises are to restore function of your arm at the level before the fracture occurred. Additionally, rehabilitation exercises may help reduce some pain associated with stiffness. If you do not have surgery to correct your broken arm, you may begin exercises within several weeks of your fracture to increase muscle strength. If you have corrective surgery, a physical therapist may begin exercises with you in the first few days. Although the goal of therapy is to regain full function, some people have less flexibility and diminished range of motion in the affected arm after a fracture, even after performing therapeutic exercises.
Considerations
Follow the exercises as directed by your physical therapist or physician, and if your arm is immobilized, maintain activity levels as prescribed. If your doctor allows, you may continue using your arm with some regular activities such as picking up light objects or brushing your hair. This may help prevent arm stiffness and allows you to continue with some of your normal activities. Your doctor will give you guidelines for care, but avoid lifting objects over 10 lbs. or pushing or pulling heavy items. Contact your doctor if you have sudden pain in your affected arm.
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