®Upright posture
You can do this while wearing the sling. Draw your shoulders back and gently squeeze your shoulder blades together, looking straight ahead.
Hold for 20–30 seconds, 5 repetitions2–3 weeksHow long a sling is usually worn
6–8 weeksHealing time in adults
3–4 weeksHealing time in children
3 monthsThe shortest recommended wait before returning to heavy lifting
Symptoms
- Severe shoulder pain after an injury.
- Swelling or bruising.
- A change in the shape of the shoulder.
- Not being able to use the arm normally.
What to do straight away
- Support your arm with a sling made from a towel or bandage.
- If there is bleeding, press on it with a clean towel or cloth.
- Do not use your shoulder or arm.
- If a bone is sticking out through the skin, do not touch it.
What helps during recovery?
1
Use your sling correctly
Wear the sling during the day for the first two weeks; take it off only for exercises and washing. Wearing it at night is optional. For the first two weeks, do not lift your elbow above shoulder height.
2
Ice and painkillers
In the first 24–48 hours you can apply ice wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes every two hours. You can take regular painkillers after checking with your doctor or pharmacist.
3
Sleep comfortably
Sleeping propped up on pillows in a semi-sitting position may be more comfortable. You can put a soft pillow between your arm and your body.
4
Stop smoking
Smoking slows the healing of a fracture and in extreme cases can stop it. Stopping during your recovery is good for your bone.
Exercises at home
Six exercises to keep your arm moving
You can start the first four exercises straight away, 3–5 times a day. Table slides and outward rotation with a stick are usually added in later weeks. Move slowly and stop if you have severe pain. After week 6 you can start lifting your arm overhead as far as pain allows.
Bending and straightening the elbow
Take off the sling. Bend your elbow as far as is comfortable, then straighten it fully. You can help gently with your other hand; do not push into pain.
Hold for 5 seconds, 10 repetitionsHand and fingers
Open and close your hand, then move your wrist up and down. After a few days, squeeze a soft ball as hard as is comfortable.
Squeeze the ball for 5 seconds, 10 repetitionsPendulum
Take off the sling, lean forwards with your good hand resting on a table. Let your arm hang loose and gently rock your body so that your arm swings forwards and backwards and from side to side.
1–2 minutes in totalTable slide
Sit at a table with your arms resting on a cloth on the table. Slide your arms forwards, then back. Do not lean or put weight on the table; for the first two weeks, go only as far as shoulder height.
5–10 repsExternal rotation with a stick
Start after week 3. Keep your elbow bent and tucked into your side. Use a stick or your other hand to push your arm outwards.
Hold for 5 seconds, 10 repetitionsFrequently asked questions
Will I need surgery?
Rarely. Most broken collarbones heal with a sling and exercises; surgery is needed only for very bad breaks. The decision is made with your doctor after an X-ray and examination.
Will the lump over the break be permanent?
A lump forming over the break is expected. It shrinks within 12 months, but a small lump may remain.
When can I drive?
According to an NHS leaflet, from week 4 if you feel able and safe. Do not drive while wearing the sling.
When can I return to sport?
According to an NHS leaflet, you can return to breaststroke swimming after 6–8 weeks, freestyle swimming and golf after 3 months, and contact sports or sports with a risk of falling, such as football, racket sports and horse riding, after 6 months. Avoid heavy lifting for at least 3 months. Your doctor will set the exact timing.
Is healing different in children?
Yes, it is faster. A broken collarbone usually heals in 3–4 weeks in children and 6–8 weeks in adults.
For a shoulder that has come out of its socket, see the dislocated shoulder guide; for a similar recovery in the arm, see the after a broken wrist guide.
When should you go to A&E or see a doctor?
- If your shoulder has changed shape, swelled up very quickly, or a bone is sticking out through the skin
- If there is a lot of bleeding
- If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain or are coughing up blood: call 112 straight away
- If you have numbness or pins and needles in your arm
- If you still have marked pain and stiffness at week 12
Sources
- NHS. Broken collarbone. Page last reviewed: 2 August 2023.
- East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Clavicle (collar bone) fracture (displaced). November 2025.
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Clavicle fracture. October 2025.
- United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Clavicle fracture. ULHT-LFT-4054, June 2025.