04/07/2025
🔎 Clavicle (Collarbone) Fracture: Causes, Symptoms & Physiotherapy Treatment
📌 A must-read for patients & physios!
🦴 What is it?
A clavicle fracture refers to a break in the collarbone — a long, slender bone connecting the sternum (breastbone) to the shoulder.
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⚠️ Common Causes:
Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) 🚗
Sports Injuries (especially contact sports) 🏉
Falls directly onto the shoulder 🤕
Birth trauma (in newborns) 👶
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❗ Symptoms to Watch:
Sharp pain over collarbone
Swelling, bruising or visible deformity
Difficulty lifting the arm
Clicking sensation
Shoulder droop on the affected side
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🧪 Key Clinical Findings:
Pain on palpation and limited shoulder ROM
X-ray confirms fracture location (midshaft most common)
In displaced fractures, bone ends may be seen or felt under the skin
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💪 Physiotherapy Management:
✅ Immobilization Phase (0–3 weeks):
Arm sling use
Pain control and icing
Patient education for posture and ADLs
✅ Mobilization Phase (3–6 weeks):
Gentle ROM exercises: pendulum → wand-assisted → active-assisted
Scapular stabilisation
Avoid heavy lifting
✅ Strengthening Phase (6–12 weeks+):
Resistance exercises for deltoid, rotator cuff, scapular muscles
Proprioception and functional training
Gradual return to work
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➡️ Timely physiotherapy = reduced stiffness, faster recovery, better function.
🔁 Save & share with anyone recovering from shoulder injuries!
📍For rehab guidance, visit The Physio Spot – Lahore
