Proximal Humeral Fracture Rehabilitation

Proximal humeral fracture

A break in the upper portion of the humerus near the shoulder joint.

Scapular compensation

Excessive early scapular rotation or elevation used to substitute for limited humeral motion.

Scapulohumeral rhythm

The coordinated pattern in which the humerus moves first (to ~90°) before the scapula begins upward rotation.

Mend versus move

Clinical principle of giving the bone time to heal while gradually re-introducing movement to avoid stiffness.

Sling immobilization

Physician-directed period of wearing a sling for several weeks to protect the healing fracture.

Distal joint activation

Keeping the elbow, wrist, and fingers moving while the shoulder is immobilized.

Pendulum swings

Gravity-assisted passive shoulder exercise initiated once cleared; arm swings like a clock pendulum.

Towel glides

Low-load shoulder mobility drill where the hand slides on a towel across a table surface.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

Joint movement performed without patient muscle activation, typically the first motion phase after immobilization.

Active Range of Motion (AROM)

Patient-generated joint movement using their own muscles, introduced after PROM is tolerated.

Open-chain exercises

Shoulder movements in which the distal limb is free (e.g., reaching) to build mobility and control.

Closed-chain exercises

Shoulder activities performed with the hand fixed (e.g., weight bearing) to enhance joint stability.