Does physiotherapy treat clavicle fracture?

A clavicle fracture needs medical assessment to determine its position and whether the bone can heal with support or needs another treatment. Physiotherapy does not join the broken bone. Once your clinician confirms that movement is appropriate, rehabilitation can address stiffness from sling use, reduced shoulder strength and guarded arm movement. Early work may involve comfortable elbow, wrist and shoulder movements; later stages can add resistance, reaching and lifting practice. The pace depends on fracture healing, pain, examination findings and any treatment you have received.

Follow the sling, lifting and driving instructions given after your fracture assessment. Do not begin shoulder strengthening or forceful stretching until you have been told it is safe. Once referred, attend physiotherapy and practise the agreed home movements without using pain as a reason to accelerate. Keep the arm supported as advised and protect it from falls or contact. Learn more about [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Seek urgent care after a fracture for new numbness or weakness in the arm, a cold or pale hand, breathing difficulty, chest pain, or skin being pushed tightly by the bone. Arrange prompt review if pain or swelling suddenly increases, the shoulder becomes more visibly deformed, or movement worsens rather than gradually improving.

Ask when shoulder movement and strengthening may start, which lifting limits apply, and what signs show that healing is progressing. Ask whether your fracture needs follow-up imaging and when physiotherapy should change from mobility work to resistance and functional practice.