When is physiotherapy recommended for clavicle fracture?

A clavicle fracture can make lifting, dressing, reaching, and sleeping uncomfortable. Early protection may involve a sling and carefully selected movement, while later rehabilitation restores shoulder and upper-back mobility, strength, and coordination. The right timing depends on the fracture pattern, treatment approach, symptoms, examination, and follow-up findings. Do not use pain reduction alone as proof that the bone is ready for heavier loading.

Attend follow-up as advised and ask when shoulder motion, lifting, driving, work, and sport can progress. Once cleared, exercises may move from gentle range-of-motion work to shoulder-blade control, rotator-cuff and arm strengthening, and functional tasks. Increase load gradually and avoid contact or heavy activity until your treating clinician approves it. The [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) page explains rehabilitation more broadly.

Seek urgent care for increasing swelling, a cold or pale arm, new numbness or weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, or skin being pushed tightly by the fracture area. Contact your treating team for worsening pain, new deformity, or a wound problem.

Ask whether the fracture is healing as expected, which shoulder movements are allowed, when resistance can begin, and what findings should lead to an earlier review.