Rehabilitation protocol
Non-Operative Humeral Shaft Fracture Rehabilitation Protocol
The current rehabilitation used when a humeral shaft (mid-upper-arm) fracture is treated without surgery. Early care protects and supports the arm while the bone aligns and 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 humeral shaft (mid-upper-arm) fracture treated WITHOUT surgery, commonly with functional bracing. It does NOT apply after surgical fixation of a humeral shaft fracture, or to a proximal humerus or clavicle fracture (each of which has its own protocol). If the fracture is open, there is a nerve or blood-vessel injury, other injuries are present, healing is not progressing, 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 humeral shaft (mid-upper-arm) fracture is treated WITHOUT surgery.
- It does NOT apply after surgical fixation, or to a proximal humerus or clavicle fracture — each of those has its own protocol.
- An open fracture, a nerve or blood-vessel injury, other injuries, a fracture that is not healing, or a different surgeon-selected plan follows 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 humeral shaft fracture treated without surgery. If your fracture is treated with surgery, is open, involves a nerve or blood vessel, comes with other injuries, or is not healing, 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 and support
The earliest period, focused on supporting the arm while the bone aligns and begins to heal and controlling pain, while keeping the hand, wrist, and (as permitted) elbow moving within the limits your care team sets.
Fracture healing
As healing progresses, gradually advancing motion of the elbow and shoulder within the limits your care team sets, guided by how the fracture is healing.
Early rehabilitation
Once healing is confirmed, restoring fuller motion and beginning progressive strengthening of the shoulder, arm, and forearm.
Return to function
A criteria-based return toward full activity and, when appropriate, sport — guided by confirmed healing, restored motion, and adequate strength, with physician clearance for higher-demand activity 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.