How Painful Is a Fractured Shoulder?

Fracturing your shoulder can be extremely painful, often limiting your ability to move the affected arm and perform even basic tasks. The pain linked to a fractured shoulder varies depending on the location and severity of the break, whether it’s the shoulder blade, collar bone or upper arm bone.

To help make sense of what a fractured shoulder feels like, how painful it can be, and what recovery might involve, we spoke to Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Angelos Assiotis. Mr Assiotis is an specialist in orthopaedic trauma found shoulders, elbows, wrists & hands and frequently performs shoulder surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital. He explains how different types of shoulder fractures are treated, when surgery may be needed, and what to expect during recovery.

Understanding a Fractured Shoulder

A fractured shoulder refers to a break in one or more of the three bones that form the shoulder joint: the collar bone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula), or the upper arm bone (proximal humerus). Together, these bones create the ball and socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion. When a shoulder fracture occurs, it can cause intense pain, swelling, and restricted movement in the affected arm.

There are several types of shoulder fractures, including:

• Non-displaced shoulder fractures – where the bone fractures but stays in its correct position
• Displaced fractures – where the broken bone shifts out of alignment
• Open fractures – where the bone breaks through the skin
• Scapula fractures – less common but often caused by high energy trauma such as a car accident

The severity of the fracture and the specific bone affected will guide the treatment plan, which can range from immobilisation with an arm sling to shoulder fracture surgery using plates, screws,pins, or even a shoulder replacement

Diagnosing a fractured shoulder typically involves a physical examination, followed by imaging tests such as X-rays to confirm the type and extent of the injury. Understanding the type of fracture you have is essential in planning care that helps you heal properly and regain as much range of motion as possible. Often a more detailed imaging study, such as a CT scan is required, to assess the injury in greater detail.

How Different Types of Shoulder Fractures Are Treated

Treatment for shoulder fractures

This depends on which of the three bones is broken, whether the fracture is displaced or non-displaced, and how stable the shoulder joint remains after the injury. The vast majority of non-displaced fractures can be managed without surgery using rest, an arm sling, and regular follow-ups.

Simple non-displaced shoulder fractures

Such as a fracture in the collar bone or proximal humerus, are often treated with immobilisation and monitored over time with X-rays to ensure the bone stays in a correct position while healing.

More complex fractures

Such as those involving multiple bone fragments, a scapula fracture, or fractures caused by high energy trauma, may require a more tailored approach. Supportive treatments might include:

• Pain management
• Gentle physiotherapy exercises to maintain range of motion
• Regular imaging tests to monitor progress

If the fracture affects the socket joint (glenoid), acromioclavicular joint, or glenohumeral joint, early and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of long-term stiffness or instability in the shoulder.

When Surgery May Be Needed for a Shoulder Fracture

Shoulder fracture surgery is usually considered when the bone has shifted out of place, when there are multiple bone fragments, or when the fracture affects the function of the shoulder joint. In these cases, realigning and securing the bones using plates, screws or pins can help preserve range of motion and support a better healing process.

Surgery may be recommended if:

• The fractured shoulder is severely displaced
• There is damage to the joint capsule or soft tissues
• The fracture involves the glenohumeral joint or ball and socket joint

Orthopaedic surgeons will assess the stability of the fracture, your age, activity level, and whether the bone can heal properly without surgical intervention. Post-operative care often includes wearing an arm sling, guided physical therapy, and follow-up appointments to track recovery.

What to Expect During Recovery from a Fractured Shoulder

Recovering from a fractured shoulder is a gradual process that involves healing the bone, restoring range of motion, and building strength in the surrounding muscles. While the goal is to return to normal activities, the healing process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the type of fracture, whether surgery was needed, and how well the shoulder responds to physical therapy.

Overview of Pain After a Shoulder Fracture

Some level of pain is expected after a shoulder fracture, especially in the first few weeks. This can feel sharp and intense early on, especially when the arm is moved or weight is placed on the affected arm. The pain often stems from the break in the bone, damage to soft tissues, and inflammation around the shoulder joint. In fractures of the collar bone (clavicle) or proximal humerus, patients may also experience a sensation of ‘clicking’ in the first few weeks, as fragments of bone are still mobile at the area of the fracture.

Patients with non-displaced fractures may experience less pain overall, especially if the bone remains in a stable position. Those with more complex injuries or who have undergone shoulder fracture surgery may find the pain more pronounced initially.

With the right pain relief, including medication, rest, and ice therapy, most people find the pain becomes more manageable as healing progresses.

Stages of Shoulder Fracture Recovery and Pain Duration

If you experience persistent pain beyond this point, it’s important to speak with your orthopaedic surgeon, as it may signal complications or issues with how the bone is healing.

Factors That Affect How Long Shoulder Pain Lasts

Several factors influence the length and intensity of pain after a fractured shoulder, including:

• Fracture type – Complex or displaced fractures, or those involving the shoulder blade or ball and socket joint, tend to cause more prolonged discomfort.
• Post-op care – Adhering to physical therapy, rest, and follow-up appointments improves outcomes.
• Other injuries – If the shoulder injury occurred as part of a car accident or high energy trauma that has affected other parts of the body, recovery may take longer.

Types of Shoulder Pain During Recovery

People recovering from a fractured shoulder might experience several types of pain:

• Fracture pain – Felt directly at the site of the broken bone. This can be sharp or throbbing, particularly when pressure is applied.
• Soft tissue pain – Comes from inflamed or strained muscles, ligaments or the joint capsule.
• Post-surgical pain – If plates, screws or pins were used, the area around the surgical site may be tender during healing.
• Rehabilitation pain – Common during physical therapy, as the shoulder is gradually reconditioned to move again.

Managing Pain After a Shoulder Fracture

Effective pain relief is key to making recovery more comfortable. Your treatment team may suggest:

1. Medication: Painkillers or anti-inflammatories to reduce discomfort.
2. Cold packs: To manage swelling and numb the area.
3. Rest and elevation: Keeping the arm supported and avoiding unnecessary strain.
4. Physical therapy: A supervised programme with a physical therapist to restore movement and strength.
5. Gradual movement: Encouraging safe, supported motion to prevent joint stiffness.

When to Seek Medical Advice for Shoulder Pain

It’s normal for pain to linger during recovery, but you should contact your care team if you experience:

• Pain that worsens after the first few weeks
• Significant swelling or warmth around the shoulder
• Difficulty breathing or sharp chest pain (may indicate a clot)
• Numbness or tingling in the arm
• Any new injury to the healing shoulder

The Importance of Physical Therapy

Guided physical therapy is essential for restoring full range of motion and preventing long-term stiffness or weakness in the shoulder joint. A physical therapist will work with you to:

• Maintain flexibility in the glenohumeral joint
• Strengthen surrounding muscles
• Gradually reintroduce normal movements
• Reduce the risk of complications

Therapy often begins with gentle passive movements and progresses to more active rehabilitation over time. For those who’ve had surgery, therapy can also help prevent bone fragments or surgical hardware from affecting optimal function.

Get Expert Help for a Fractured Shoulder

At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide expert, compassionate care for anyone recovering from a shoulder fracture. Whether you’ve recently injured your shoulder or need support with ongoing pain or physical therapy, our team of consultants and physiotherapists can guide you through every stage of your recovery. We offer a holistic service, ranging from initial investigations such as x-rays in our Urgent Care Clinic, to more detailed imaging modalities, such as CT and MRI scans. You will then see our specialist Consultant Surgeons, who will guide treatment, surgical or non-surgical. If surgery is indicated, our modern theatres facilitate  prompt surgical management, using modern equipment and implants. We will monitor your recovery as an outpatient in our clinics and you will be supported by our experienced Physiotherapy team, with access to a fully equipped physiotherapy gym on site.

Located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer a calm, professional environment with access to leading orthopaedic surgeons and modern facilities. We also have a private Urgent Care Centre which is able to help with treating shoulder fractures quickly.

To speak with our team or arrange a consultation:

📞 Call: 020 7806 4060
📧 Email: info@hje.org.uk

FAQ’s

How are shoulder fractures treated at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital?

Shoulder fractures treated at our hospital are managed by a team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists. Depending on the type of fracture, treatment might involve wearing an arm sling, attending regular follow-ups, or in some cases, undergoing shoulder fracture surgery using plates, screws or pins. Our focus is always on helping patients heal properly, reduce pain, and restore movement in the shoulder joint.

How long does it take to recover from a fractured shoulder?

Most people recover from a fractured shoulder within three to nine months, though the timeline can vary depending on the type of fracture, your age, and whether surgery was needed. Non-displaced fractures often heal faster than those involving bone fragments or multiple breaks. You’ll likely start with an arm sling for support and progress to physical therapy to regain your range of motion.

Do all fractured shoulders require surgery?

No, not all shoulder fractures require surgery. Many non-displaced shoulder fractures heal well without surgery, especially if the bones in the shoulder remain stable. Surgery is usually recommended for more severe injuries where the bone is out of alignment or if the glenohumeral joint is affected. Your consultant will advise on the best treatment plan based on the specific injury.