Greater Tuberosity Fracture Exercises
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Services
Last updated: July 2026
Next review: July 2028
Recovering from a Greater Tuberosity Fracture
A greater tuberosity fracture is an injury to the upper part of the humerus (upper arm bone) where the rotator cuff tendons attach. Most fractures heal successfully with conservative treatment, followed by a structured rehabilitation programme to restore shoulder movement, strength and function.
This guide explains each stage of your recovery and the exercises that will help you safely regain normal shoulder movement over the coming weeks.
Wearing Your Sling
For the first two weeks, wear your sling 24 hours a day to protect the healing fracture.
Remove your sling regularly to perform gentle exercises for your:
- Neck
- Elbow
- Wrist
- Hand
These movements help prevent stiffness while your shoulder heals.
Early Exercises (Weeks 0–2)
Begin these exercises as soon as your pain allows.
Perform them little and often throughout the day.
Pendulum Exercise
Lean forwards while supporting yourself on a table with your unaffected arm.
Allow your injured arm to hang relaxed beneath you.
This exercise helps:
- Reduce stiffness
- Improve circulation
- Make washing and dressing easier
Neck Mobility
Improve neck flexibility by:
- Tilting your head towards each shoulder
- Turning your head from side to side
Hold each stretch for 2–3 seconds and repeat 5 times on each side.
Elbow Movement
With your upper arm tucked into your side:
- Slowly bend and straighten your elbow.
- Repeat 5 times.
Forearm Rotation
Keep your elbow close to your body.
Rotate your forearm so your palm faces upwards and then downwards.
Repeat 5 times.
Hand and Wrist Exercises
Throughout the day:
- Move your wrist up and down.
- Make a full fist.
- Straighten your fingers.
- Touch your thumb to each fingertip.
Continue these exercises until your arm moves comfortably.
Shoulder Exercises (From 2 Weeks)
Continue wearing your sling but begin gentle shoulder movements.
Aim to perform these exercises little and often, moving only as far as is comfortable.
Assisted External Rotation
Lie on your back with a towel supporting your upper arm.
Using a stick held in both hands:
- Keep your elbow bent to 90°
- Rotate your shoulder outwards to approximately 30°
- Allow your unaffected arm to perform most of the work
This exercise may also be completed while sitting.
Assisted Shoulder Lift
Lie on your back.
Use your unaffected arm to gently lift your injured arm overhead as far as comfortable.
Gradually increase the range of movement over time.
Table Slides
Sit or stand with both hands resting on a table.
Slide your hands forwards, allowing the unaffected arm to assist the movement.
The table supports the weight of your arm while improving shoulder mobility.
Wall Stretch
Stand facing a worktop or high table.
Place both hands on the surface and slowly walk backwards, allowing your shoulder to stretch comfortably.
Recovery From 6 Weeks
Removing Your Sling
From around 6 weeks, begin gradually reducing how often you wear your sling.
Many people find it helpful to continue wearing it:
- In crowded environments
- During longer walks
- If the shoulder becomes tired
Supporting your arm on cushions while sitting can continue to improve comfort.
Using Your Arm
As healing progresses you can begin using your arm for light everyday activities.
Initially:
- Lift no more than the weight of a cup of tea.
- Keep your elbow bent.
- Keep movements within your field of vision.
- Avoid lifting straight forwards or out to the side.
- Avoid heavy lifting.
Pain Relief
It is common for your shoulder to become slightly more uncomfortable as your activity increases.
Pain relief, when appropriate, can help you:
- Continue your exercises
- Improve movement
- Return to normal activities more comfortably
Continue progressing your earlier exercises by gradually increasing the amount of work completed by your injured arm.
Strengthening Exercises (From 12 Weeks)
Once you can comfortably lift your hand to your head, you can begin strengthening exercises.
Start with light resistance such as:
- A small bottle of water
- A can of beans
Gradually increase the resistance as your strength improves.
Isometric Internal Rotation
Stand or sit with your elbow bent to 90°.
Attempt to rotate your hand inward while resisting with your opposite hand.
- Hold for 5 seconds
- Repeat 5 times
Side-Lying External Rotation
Lie on your side with a folded towel between your arm and body.
Holding a light weight:
- Rotate your forearm upwards.
- Lower slowly under control.
Overhead Reach
Lie on your back holding a light weight.
Push your arm towards the ceiling before reaching overhead while keeping your arm close to your ear.
Shoulder Press
Stand holding light weights at shoulder height.
Press upwards until your arms are straight before lowering under control.
Avoid shrugging your shoulders during the movement.
Wall Push-Ups
Stand facing a wall.
Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder width apart.
Keeping your body straight:
- Bend your elbows.
- Lower your chest towards the wall.
- Push back to the starting position.
Recovery Timeline
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Sling worn continuously | First 2 weeks |
| Gentle shoulder exercises begin | From 2 weeks |
| Begin reducing sling use | Around 6 weeks |
| Progressive strengthening | From 12 weeks |
| Return to normal activities | As advised by your clinician |
Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the fracture and individual healing.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Contact your healthcare professional if:
- Your pain becomes significantly worse.
- You lose shoulder movement.
- You experience numbness or tingling.
- You notice increasing swelling or redness.
- Your recovery is not progressing as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wear my sling?
Most people wear their sling continuously for the first two weeks, before gradually reducing its use from around six weeks, depending on their clinician’s advice.
When can I begin shoulder exercises?
Gentle shoulder exercises usually begin two weeks after injury, while the sling is still being worn.
When can I start strengthening exercises?
Strengthening exercises are generally introduced from 12 weeks, once you can comfortably lift your hand to your head.
Can I lift heavy objects during recovery?
No. Heavy lifting should be avoided until your fracture has healed and your clinician advises it is safe.
Why is rehabilitation important?
Following a structured rehabilitation programme helps restore shoulder movement, rebuild strength, reduce stiffness and improve your return to normal daily activities.
