Rehabilitation protocol
Non-Operative Clavicle Fracture Rehabilitation Protocol
The current rehabilitation used when a collarbone (clavicle) fracture is treated without surgery. Early care protects the fracture while it heals, then motion and strength are gradually restored. Your care team will tailor it to you — always follow the individualized plan they give you.
Who this protocol is for
Applies to a collarbone (clavicle) fracture treated WITHOUT surgery. It does NOT apply to a clavicle fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation (which follows the clavicle fracture ORIF protocol), to a proximal humerus or humeral shaft fracture (each of which has its own protocol), or to any other fracture or operation. If the fracture is open, the skin is at risk, there is a neurovascular injury, other injuries are present, or a surgeon selects a different plan, follow that individualized plan instead. The treating physician's plan takes precedence, and patients should use only the protocol identified by their care team.
What this protocol covers
- Rehabilitation when a collarbone fracture is treated WITHOUT surgery.
- It does NOT apply after surgical fixation (ORIF), or to a proximal humerus or humeral shaft fracture — each of those has its own protocol.
- If the fracture is open, the skin is threatened, there is a nerve or blood-vessel injury, or a surgeon selects a different plan, follow that individualized plan instead.
- Your care team selects the protocol — use only the one you are given.
If your fracture is treated surgically or has other injuries
This protocol is for a collarbone fracture treated without surgery. If your fracture is treated with surgery, is open, involves the skin or a nerve or blood vessel, comes with other injuries, or your surgeon selects a different plan, that individualized plan is used instead — a non-operative protocol never applies after surgical fixation. Follow the plan your care team gives you.
How rehabilitation is generally structured
Rehabilitation after this procedure is usually organized into progressive phases. The phases below describe the general shape only — specific exercises, precautions, and timelines are individual and are set by your surgeon and physical therapist.
Protect the fracture
The earliest period, focused on protecting and supporting the healing collarbone and controlling pain, while keeping the elbow, wrist, and hand moving within the limits your care team sets.
Advance motion
As comfort and healing allow, gradually restoring shoulder motion within the limits your care team sets.
Restore function
Progressively rebuilding shoulder strength and control as motion returns and healing continues.
Return to activity
A criteria-based return toward full activity and, when appropriate, sport — guided by full motion, adequate strength, comfort, and, for contact activity, radiographic healing and physician clearance rather than a fixed calendar.
This overview describes the general structure of rehabilitation only. It does not replace the specific instructions of your own care team, whose guidance always takes precedence. Timelines and precautions are individual and are set for you at your appointments — and if you had surgery, your operative note takes precedence. Use only the protocol your care team selected for you.