Proximal humerus fractures with limited displacement and fractures that occur in older, less active or infirm patients are treated non-operatively. There is a general impression, supported by some data, that better function is obtained with immediate initiation of shoulder exercises. However, there is some concern that this may contribute to nonunion of the fracture and may be unnecessary. Some researchers have demonstrated better outcomes with immediate rehabilitation with pendulum movements. Others have shown similar functional outcomes when rehabilitation begins approximately a month after injury, or when radiographs show signs of bone healing, and this delay is associated with lower rates of non-union and malunion occurrence.
