Clavicle ORIF Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside

Rehabilitating After Clavicle ORIF: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Clavicle Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) is a surgical procedure to realign and stabilise a fractured collarbone using plates and screws. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in recovery by ensuring optimal healing, restoring shoulder mobility, and rebuilding strength. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we provide individualised rehabilitation programs, including Clinical Pilates, to support your recovery journey.

Why is Physiotherapy Important After Clavicle ORIF?
Physiotherapy is crucial for:

• Restoring shoulder function: Gradual exercises improve range of motion and shoulder mechanics.
• Rebuilding strength: Focuses on strengthening muscles supporting the clavicle and shoulder.
• Preventing complications: Reduces stiffness, weakness, and improper movement patterns.
• Supporting safe recovery: Ensures that rehab progresses without stressing the surgical repair.

What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early phase focuses on protecting the surgical site and managing symptoms:

• Pain and swelling management: Use of ice therapy and prescribed medications.
• Sling use: A sling is typically worn for 2–6 weeks to immobilise and protect the clavicle.
• Gentle mobility exercises: Focused on preventing stiffness in the elbow, wrist, and hand while avoiding stress on the clavicle.

What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapists use a variety of treatments to aid your healing:
Manual Therapy

• Soft tissue release: Reduces muscle tension in compensatory muscles like the neck, upper back, and shoulder.
• Scar tissue management: Techniques to minimise adhesions and improve mobility around the incision site.
• Joint mobilisations: Gentle techniques to improve mobility in the shoulder and surrounding joints.

Taping and Bracing

• Support and alignment: Kinesiology taping helps stabilise the shoulder and reduce strain.

Swelling and Pain Management

• Cryotherapy: Ice therapy reduces swelling and inflammation.
• Lymphatic drainage massage: Encourages fluid movement to minimise swelling.

Education and Advice

• Activity modification: Guidance on safe movements, lifting, and posture.
• Gradual progression: Advice on when to reintroduce daily activities and weight-bearing tasks.

What Precautions Should Be Taken After Clavicle ORIF?

• Wear your sling as directed: Protect the surgical site during early healing.
• Avoid heavy lifting: Refrain from lifting objects or placing weight on the surgical side until cleared by your physiotherapist.
• Follow movement restrictions: Avoid overhead or wide-reaching movements in the early stages.
• Adhere to your rehab plan: Gradually progress activity levels as advised by your physiotherapist.

What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
The timeline varies depending on the severity of the fracture and individual healing rates:

• 0–6 weeks: Focus on pain management, sling use, and gentle mobility exercises.
• 6–12 weeks: Gradual strengthening of the shoulder and arm muscles.
• 3–6 months: Functional movements, return to daily activities, and light sports training.
• 6–12 months: Full recovery with high-impact activities and contact sports if cleared by your surgeon.

What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Clavicle ORIF?
Targeted strengthening is essential to restore shoulder stability and function:

• Rotator cuff muscles: Provide dynamic stability for shoulder movements.
• Scapular stabilisers: Support proper shoulder blade mechanics.
• Deltoids: Help regain shoulder strength for lifting and reaching.
• Core muscles: Improve overall upper body stability during functional tasks.

What Exercises Will Be Included in Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation exercises progress gradually:

• Early stages: Pendulum exercises, shoulder shrugs, and isometric holds for the shoulder.
• Mid-stages: Resistance band exercises for the rotator cuff, scapular retractions, and arm lifts.
• Later stages: Functional exercises like push-ups, overhead presses, and Clinical Pilates for advanced recovery.

How Does Clinical Pilates Support Recovery?
Clinical Pilates complements physiotherapy by offering:

• Core stability: Builds a strong foundation for upper body strength and mobility.
• Controlled motion: Focuses on precision and alignment to protect the clavicle.
• Improved flexibility and strength: Enhances functional movements and boosts confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clavicle ORIF Rehabilitation
How long after clavicle ORIF can I move my arm?

• Gentle arm movements can begin within the first 1–2 weeks, with active use reintroduced around 4–6 weeks.

How painful is recovery from clavicle ORIF?

• Pain is typically moderate in the first few weeks and managed with medication, ice, and physiotherapy. Soreness during exercises may occur but should improve over time.

How to sleep after clavicle ORIF?

• Sleep in a reclined position using pillows to support your upper body and arm. Avoid lying on the surgical side.

When can I stop wearing my sling?

• Most patients discontinue sling use after 4–6 weeks, depending on your surgeon’s and physiotherapist’s recommendations.

When can I return to sports or heavy lifting?

• High-impact activities and contact sports are typically resumed around 6–9 months, following clearance from your surgeon.

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Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Our experienced physiotherapists provide expert guidance to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence after clavicle ORIF. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your personalised rehabilitation plan!

Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]

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Who to book in with

Bethany Kippen
Physiotherapist.

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Mauricio Bara
Physiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist.

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