Shoulder Sprain

A Shoulder Sprain is stretching or partial tearing of the ligaments and capsule that support the shoulder. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other. The capsule is thinner tissue that encloses the shoulder joint and may include certain ligaments.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease condition or injury.
  • Playing sports
  • Poor coordination
  • Poor balance
  • Inadequate flexibility and strength in muscles and ligaments
  • Loose joints

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Pain, tenderness and swelling around the shoulder
  • Redness, warmth or bruising around the shoulder
  • Limited ability to move the shoulder and increased pain with movement

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your shoulder. The doctor will examine your shoulder to assess the stability of the joint and the severity of the injury.
Tests may include:
  • X-rays – to make sure that no bones are broken
  • MRI scan – to see the extent of damage to the soft tissues of the shoulder(rarely needed)
Shoulder Sprains are graded according to their severity: Grade1
  • Stretching and microtearing of ligament and capsular tissue
Grade 2
  • Partial tearing of ligament and capsular tissue
  • Mild instability of the joint
Grade 3
  • Severe or complete tearing of ligament and capsular tissue
  • Significant instability of the joint

Treatment

Treatment includes:
Rest – Avoid using your injured arm.
Ice – Apply ice or a cold pack to the shoulder for 15-20 minutes, 4 times a day for at least 2 to 3 days. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
Compression – Wrap your shoulder in an elastic compression bandage (e.g.,Ace bandage). This will limit swelling and pain.
Medication – Take one of the following drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain:
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Aspirin
Brace or Sling – You may need to wear a sling to immobilize your arm and shoulder. If you play sports, you may need to wear a shoulder brace when you return to play.
Rehabilitation Exercises – Begin exercises to restore flexibility, range of motion, and strength in your shoulder as recommended by your health care professional.
Surgery – Surgery is rarely needed to repair a shoulder sprain. However surgery is often needed to repair a ligament and capsule that are torn completely.

Prevention

Many Shoulder Sprains cannot be prevented. To reduce your risk of spraining a shoulder:
  • Do exercises to strengthen arm, back and chest muscles.
  • Learn the proper technique for exercise and sporting activities. This will decrease stress on all your muscles, ligaments and tendons, including those around your shoulder.