Broken Shoulder Blade Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Because shoulder blade fractures are often associated with severe, potentially life-threatening injuries, they should be evaluated in a hospital's emergency department.

• Immobilize the arm immediately. Don't move it. This can be accomplished with a sling looped over the neck and the bent elbow, which holds the affected arm close to the body.
  
  
• Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling and discomfort.
  
  
• Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, and avoid direct contact of the ice to the skin.