Clavicle pain, physical therapy, treatment: Focus Physiotherapy, Belgrade✓

Pain in the area of the clavicle (clavicula) represents an uncomfortable condition that directly affects the mobility of the shoulder and upper chest, given that this bone serves as the only bony connection between the arm and the rest of the skeleton. The clavicle plays a vital role in protecting important blood vessels and nerves that pass from the neck to the arm, while simultaneously allowing a wide range of motion in the shoulder joint. Due to its protruding position and relatively thin structure, it is highly susceptible to mechanical injuries, as well as inflammatory processes caused by chronic overloading of the arms.

The anatomy of the clavicle involves two important joints: the sternoclavicular joint (the connection with the sternum) and the acromioclavicular joint (the connection with the scapula), which together ensure the stability of the shoulder girdle. Any disruption in these joints or surrounding ligaments manifests as pain that may radiate toward the neck or shoulder, making basic actions such as dressing or lifting the arm difficult. Understanding the function of the clavicle as a stabilizer of the chest is crucial for determining the exact source of pain in the patient. Timely physical therapy diagnosis and treatment of the soft tissues around the clavicle prevent the development of permanent shoulder stiffness and deformity of the chest region.

The symptomatology of clavicle pain varies from sharp pain that occurs immediately after a fall or blow, to dull, lingering pain that gradually intensifies throughout the day. Patients often notice that the pain increases with deep breathing, sleeping on the side, or when attempting to lift the arm above shoulder level. The clinical picture is specific, as it often includes visible changes in the skin or the contours of the bone, indicating the degree of damage to deeper structures.

The most common symptoms accompanying clavicle pain include:

• Localized pain on the bone itself or at its ends, which intensifies with direct pressure from fingers.
• The appearance of swelling, redness, or bruising above the clavicle after physical trauma or sudden arm movement.
• Limited shoulder mobility, accompanied by a sensation of popping or crackling during circular arm movements.
• Visible bulging or deformity at the junction of the clavicle and scapula, which may indicate joint dislocation.
• Pain radiating toward the neck muscles or down the arm, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the entire shoulder girdle.

All these signs are clear indicators that the bony or ligamentous system of the clavicular region is undergoing strain, requiring expert evaluation and appropriate immobilization or therapy. Proper recognition of these symptoms in the early stages is crucial for the correct healing process and preservation of arm and shoulder function.

• Contact sports injuries
• Tendinitis
• Inflammation of muscle attachments
• Degenerative changes and osteomyelitis

Pain in the clavicle area is most often caused by direct physical trauma, but it can also result from degenerative joint changes, inflammatory processes, or poor shoulder girdle stability. Risk factors include falls onto an outstretched arm, contact sports, carrying heavy loads on the shoulders, and chronic overload in daily activities. While the pain appears locally, the underlying cause often lies in weak back muscles and poor thoracic posture.

The main causes of clavicle pain include:

• Clavicle fracture – a common sports injury, accompanied by severe pain and limited arm movement.
• Acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis – cartilage wear at the junction of the clavicle and scapula due to chronic stress.
• Ligament sprain or dislocation – leads to shoulder instability and abnormal clavicle positioning.
• Inflammation of muscle attachments – particularly of the chest and neck muscles attaching to the clavicle surface.
• Osteomyelitis and systemic bone diseases cause deep, persistent pain regardless of movement.

Accurate diagnosis allows the creation of a treatment plan that ensures safe healing and restoration of shoulder girdle function. Each cause requires a specific rehabilitation approach to prevent complications such as poorly healed bones or chronic joint instability.