How do you treat a chipped bone in the shoulder?
Shoulder Fracture Treatment Options
- Icing.
- Immobilization with an arm sling or wrap while bones heal.
- Oral medications to help alleviate pain.
- Physical therapy and range-of-motion exercises (to begin once the bones have started to heal and under the close supervision of a physical therapist)
Can you chip your shoulder blade?
The shoulder blade (scapula) is rarely broken (broken bones are also called fractures). Of all bone breaks, shoulder blade breaks occur less than 1% of the time. Scapular fractures occur more often in young men ages 25 to 45 because of the activities and trauma they encounter.
What does a chipped shoulder feel like?
If your shoulder feels weak or if any movement up and down, to and from your torso, or rotating around the joint hurts or seems impossible, you may very well have a fracture. A grinding sensation when you do move the shoulder is further confirmation of a fracture.
How is a fractured shoulder blade treated?
Most fractures of the scapula can be treated without surgery. Treatment involves immobilization with a sling or a shoulder immobilizer, icing and pain medications. The sling is usually kept for comfort for the first two weeks with subsequent increase of the shoulder’s range of motion.
How long does shoulder fracture take to heal?
Most shoulder fractures heal in about six weeks. About 20 percent of shoulder fractures are displaced and may require some type of manipulation to restore normal anatomy. Occasionally the rotator cuff muscles are injured or torn at the same time as the fracture. This can further complicate the treatment.
How long does a broken shoulder blade take to heal?
Most fractures heal completely in about six weeks, but it can take six months to a year for your shoulder motion to return to normal. Sometimes, full motion doesn’t return. Some types of shoulder blade fractures may need surgery. The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later.
Can a fractured shoulder heal on its own?
Most fractures heal without any problems in six to twelve weeks. However, it may take six to twelve months for your symptoms to settle completely – these can include pain or discomfort, stiffness, decreased strength, swelling and loss of muscle bulk.
How long does a fractured shoulder blade take to heal?
Can you move your shoulder if it’s fractured?
With your doctor’s guidance, you may commence shoulder movement as the fracture heals. If the arm is moved too early, this can delay healing, but too little movement will result in stiffness.