Humeral Shaft or Distal Humerus Fracture Fixation (ORIF with plate or Nailing)

Phase	Rehabilitation	Precautions
Day 0	Sling 2–4 weeks (especially for distal humerus); hand/elbow/wrist ROM (if not restricted); begin finger exercises.	Sling for comfort (fracture location dependent). If nail/plate, no immediate weight-bearing.
0–2 weeks	Early elbow/wrist ROM as pain allows (if fracture stabilised); gentle shoulder pendulums and shrugs (if proximal).	Avoid stressing fixation.
2–4 weeks	Advance elbow ROM to full extension/flexion; shoulder AAROM to 90° flex/abd (for proximal). Partial weight use (like cane) after 4 weeks if permitted.	No lifting >2 kg; avoid valgus/varus stress on elbow fracture fix.
4–6 weeks	Full active ROM of elbow/shoulder; initiate isometric strengthening of deltoid and quadriceps as tolerated.	Light functional use; heavy lifting still prohibited.
6–12 weeks	Progressive strengthening of all groups; work on fine hand function. If distal humerus ORIF, begin gentle triceps strengthening.	Gradual return to weight-bearing through arm after 6–8 weeks with caution.
12+ weeks	Return to full activities as union allows.

Phase

Rehabilitation

Precautions

Day 0

Sling 2–4 weeks (especially for distal humerus); hand/elbow/wrist ROM (if not restricted); begin finger exercises.

Sling for comfort (fracture location dependent). If nail/plate, no immediate weight-bearing.

0–2 weeks

Early elbow/wrist ROM as pain allows (if fracture stabilised); gentle shoulder pendulums and shrugs (if proximal).

Avoid stressing fixation.

2–4 weeks

Advance elbow ROM to full extension/flexion; shoulder AAROM to 90° flex/abd (for proximal). Partial weight use (like cane) after 4 weeks if permitted.

No lifting >2 kg; avoid valgus/varus stress on elbow fracture fix.

4–6 weeks

Full active ROM of elbow/shoulder; initiate isometric strengthening of deltoid and quadriceps as tolerated.

Light functional use; heavy lifting still prohibited.

6–12 weeks

Progressive strengthening of all groups; work on fine hand function. If distal humerus ORIF, begin gentle triceps strengthening.

Gradual return to weight-bearing through arm after 6–8 weeks with caution.

12+ weeks

Return to full activities as union allows.

Testimonials

“I cannot sing enough praises for the treatment I received from Kate. Instead of treating the symptoms, she treated the cause of the problem.”

Tara (a professional triathlete)

”FIVE STAR EXPERIENCE. Kate looks at the body as a whole (both physically and emotionally) and is able to identify and treat the root cause of the pain. This type of Physiotherapy is much more logical and effective than traditional Physiotherapy. The best physio I have come across – thank you Kate.”

Stacey

“Kate used a technique called visceral release to work on my internal organs, the effect has been amazing. I have had several sessions with Kate and the pain in my hip has almost gone. I can move freely and walk more easily.”

Mary

“Kate is a superb therapist and has moved me quickly from despair to recovery.”

Alex

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Emma

“I have been seeing Kate on and off for several years now. She is incredible, no matter what my ailment and I have had various over the years, she has always managed to reduce my pain and increase my mobility. She is very professional but keeps a great balance of being personal too. I have been to many other physios but I will not see anyone else now.”

Kelly