Proximal Humerus ORIF Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside

Rehabilitating After Proximal Humerus ORIF: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Proximal Humerus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) is a surgical procedure to repair fractures in the upper arm near the shoulder joint. Effective rehabilitation through physiotherapy is crucial to restore shoulder mobility, strength, and function. At our Brisbane southside clinic, we provide customised recovery plans, incorporating advanced therapies and Clinical Pilates, to help you regain confidence and return to daily activities.

Why is Physiotherapy Important After Proximal Humerus ORIF?
Physiotherapy is vital for:

• Restoring range of motion: Controlled exercises reduce stiffness and improve shoulder mobility.
• Rebuilding strength: Targeted strengthening prevents muscle imbalances and compensatory movement patterns.
• Preventing complications: Reduces the risk of frozen shoulder, muscle atrophy, and scar tissue formation.
• Facilitating safe progression: Ensures exercises are aligned with your healing phase to protect the repair.

What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early stages of recovery focus on healing and symptom management:

• Immobilisation: A sling or brace supports the shoulder for 4–6 weeks to allow proper healing.
• Pain and swelling management: Ice therapy, medications, and proper positioning reduce discomfort.
• Passive range-of-motion exercises: Gentle movements, guided by a physiotherapist, prevent stiffness without stressing the repair.

What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapists use a range of techniques to enhance your recovery:
Manual Therapy

• Scar management: Reduces adhesions around surgical scars to maintain tissue mobility.
• Joint mobilisations: Gentle techniques improve range of motion in the shoulder and surrounding joints.
• Soft tissue release: Relieves tension in muscles compensating for reduced shoulder use.

Taping and Bracing

• Kinesiology taping: Supports healing tissues and enhances proprioception.
• Sling guidance: Ensures correct usage of the sling to avoid unnecessary strain.

Swelling and Pain Management

• Cryotherapy: Reduces inflammation and eases discomfort.
• Lymphatic drainage massage: Encourages fluid movement to minimise swelling.

Education and Advice

• Activity modification: Guidance on safe movements and avoiding harmful positions, such as overhead lifting or reaching behind your back.
• Rehab timeline: Structured planning for gradually resuming daily activities.

What Precautions Should Be Taken After Proximal Humerus ORIF?

• Avoid lifting or weight-bearing: Do not lift objects or bear weight on the affected arm until cleared by your physiotherapist.
• Follow immobilisation guidelines: Use your sling as directed during the early healing phase.
• Protect the repair: Avoid reaching, pushing, or pulling movements that may strain the repair.
• Progress gradually: Adhere to your physiotherapy plan for a safe recovery.

What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery timelines vary but generally follow these stages:

• 0–6 weeks: Immobilisation with a focus on passive range-of-motion exercises.
• 6–12 weeks: Transition to active range-of-motion exercises and light strengthening.
• 3–6 months: Progressive strengthening and functional training.
• 6–12 months: Return to full activity, including sports or heavy lifting, with clearance.

What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Proximal Humerus ORIF?
Rehabilitation targets the following muscle groups:

• Rotator cuff muscles: Improve shoulder stability and control.
• Deltoid: Restores arm elevation strength.
• Scapular stabilisers: Enhance shoulder blade positioning and movement.
• Biceps and triceps: Support functional arm use and strength.

What Exercises Are Part of Rehabilitation?
Exercises progress in stages to ensure safe recovery:

• Early stages: Passive shoulder movements, pendulum exercises, and scapular setting.
• Mid-stages: Active-assisted range-of-motion exercises, isometric contractions, and light resistance bands.
• Later stages: Functional strengthening with weights, push-ups, and Clinical Pilates for advanced recovery.

How Does Clinical Pilates Complement Recovery?
Clinical Pilates is an excellent addition to physiotherapy, offering:

• Core stability: Enhances overall arm and shoulder function.
• Controlled movements: Encourages precise, pain-free motions during recovery.
• Functional strength: Builds endurance and prepares you for daily activities and sports.

Frequently Asked Questions About Proximal Humerus ORIF Rehabilitation
How long after surgery can I move my arm?

• Passive movements typically begin within the first week under physiotherapist guidance, with active use introduced after 4–6 weeks.

How painful is recovery from proximal humerus ORIF?

• Moderate pain is common initially but improves with proper pain management and physiotherapy.

How to sleep after proximal humerus ORIF?

• Sleep in a semi-reclined position with your arm supported by pillows or in a sling.

When can I stop using my sling?

• Most patients can begin weaning off the sling after 4–6 weeks, as advised by your surgeon and physiotherapist.

When can I return to work or sports?

• Light desk work may resume within 4–6 weeks, while heavy lifting or sports typically require 6–12 months, depending on recovery progress.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Our experienced team is here to guide you through every stage of your recovery. Contact us today to book a consultation and start your personalised rehabilitation journey after proximal humerus ORIF!

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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