Proximal Humerus Fracture Fixation (Plate or Nail)

Phase	Rehabilitation	Precautions
Day 0	Sling 4 weeks; hand/elbow/wrist ROM; pendulums; scapular retractions.	Sling 4–6 weeks (off for exercises). No active elevation or ER past neutral initially.
0–2 weeks	Passive flexion/abd in supine to 60–90°; ER/IR to 20–30° (pain-free); continue scapula/prehab exercises.	Avoid weight on arm; no sudden movements.
2–4 weeks	Increase passive ROM to 120°; begin active-assisted flexion/abd (table slides); maintain sling when not doing exercises.	No lifting; no behind-back until soft-tissues heal.
4–6 weeks	Wean sling by 6 weeks; initiate active ROM to full flexion/abd and ER/IR (as comfort); begin isometrics.	Avoid strain at fracture site.
6–12 weeks	Strengthening cuff and deltoid gradually; wean sling completely; full active use of arm.	Functional activities as tolerated.
12+ weeks	Return to all activities (once union confirmed).

Phase

Rehabilitation

Precautions

Day 0

Sling 4 weeks; hand/elbow/wrist ROM; pendulums; scapular retractions.

Sling 4–6 weeks (off for exercises). No active elevation or ER past neutral initially.

0–2 weeks

Passive flexion/abd in supine to 60–90°; ER/IR to 20–30° (pain-free); continue scapula/prehab exercises.

Avoid weight on arm; no sudden movements.

2–4 weeks

Increase passive ROM to 120°; begin active-assisted flexion/abd (table slides); maintain sling when not doing exercises.

No lifting; no behind-back until soft-tissues heal.

4–6 weeks

Wean sling by 6 weeks; initiate active ROM to full flexion/abd and ER/IR (as comfort); begin isometrics.

Avoid strain at fracture site.

6–12 weeks

Strengthening cuff and deltoid gradually; wean sling completely; full active use of arm.

Functional activities as tolerated.

12+ weeks

Return to all activities (once union confirmed).

Testimonials

”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

“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

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

Alex

”Kate has terrific skills and sensitivity – she treats the whole person, not just the symptoms”

Emma

“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)

“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