Horizontally placed across the upper portion of the chest is the collarbone or clavicle. This bone effects the mobility of the shoulder, as it is the attachment site for many of the connecting muscles. The collarbone can be broken by falling on an outstretched arm, sustaining a hit to the shoulder, or a direct attack to the upper chest. Distinguishing whether a broken collarbone has also damaged the supporting ligaments or underlying nerves and arteries is a key step in progressing the rehabilitation appropriately.
Immobilization
A broken collar bone needs to be immobilized for six to eight weeks. Your rehabilitation specialist will begin joint mobilizations immediately after the sling is removed. To avoid a significant loss of muscle mass during the time of immobility, isometric exercises are recommended. Isometric exercises allow the muscle to contract, but without movement. For example, squeeze a stress ball with your hand on the side with the sling. Hold each squeeze for three to five seconds and repeat 15 to 20 times.
Stretching
After the sling has been removed, the muscles attached to the collarbone need to be stretched in order to regain their full motion. To stretch, reach the injured arm behind your back as if to tuck it into the opposite back pocket of your pants. Grab the wrist with the healthy arm and gently pull. To include more muscles in the stretch tilt your head away from the injured side. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat three times.
Retraining
Bone fractures need immobilization to heal properly, but while the muscles are fixed the nerves that supply the brain command for muscle movement become sluggish. To retrain this muscle reaction and memory begin by standing in front of a wall. Use the injured arm to place a sticker anywhere on the wall. Close your eyes and try to touch the sticker you placed. Repeat the exercise by relocating the sticker with your eyes open and retouching it with closed eyes. Repeat 12 to 15 times.
Strengthening
Strengthening focuses on the muscles surrounding the collarbone. To perform an incline bench press, raise the seat of the bench. Place your hands on the overhead bar in an overhand grip about shoulder width apart. Push the bar up and away from your chest. Slowly lower the bar back to the rack. Begin by attempting to complete 15 to 25 repetitions with minimal to zero weight. As you get stronger, reduce the repetitions to 10 to 12 and increase the weight.
References
- "Rehabilitation Techniques for Sports Medicine and Athletic Training"; William E. Prentice; 2004
- "Athletic Injuries of the Shoulder"; Frank A. Pettrone; 1995
- "Trail Guide to the Body"; Andrew Biel; 2005
Member Comments