How to Treat a Shoulder Injury

A shoulder injury can occur in a number of different ways. It may be caused by an injury somewhere else in the body, which is called a referred pain. In such cases, pain in the shoulder is usually worse when you move it. The best way to treat a shoulder injury is to start by applying ice to it. Ice therapy should be performed 3 to 4 times a day, for two to three days. However, do not put ice directly on your skin, as you may develop frostbite. If the pain persists, seek medical attention and treatment. You can also take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.

Types of Bruises

Shoulder bruises are common after an injury to the shoulder. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or weakness and can change the color or temperature of the skin. Shoulder injuries are most commonly caused by a fall or by playing sports. Bruises are caused by small blood vessels that break beneath the skin. Usually, a red or purple color will appear. It is not uncommon for the bruise to turn different colors or fade away.

Bruises are common after a shoulder fracture. A shoulder fracture is caused by direct trauma such as a fall or bracing. In the most severe cases, the humerus, or upper arm bone, will be broken. Bruises will follow. In severe cases, the bone may look out of place under the skin. In some cases, the humerus may even come out of the socket completely.

Inflammation of the bursa

Shoulder bursitis is a common ailment and is the result of a rotator cuff or biceps tendinitis injury. The bursa is inflamed but not swollen. The condition is often treated with ice, NSAIDs, physical therapy, or a cortisone injection. While corticosteroids may temporarily ease the pain and swelling, they can weaken tendons and other structures. This is why it is best to avoid repeated injections.

Bursitis is often the result of an overuse injury. The pain associated with the condition is usually intense around the shoulder and may radiate to the elbow and neck. In some cases, the pain will be accompanied by a fever. If it is caused by an infection, it requires urgent treatment. If the bursa becomes inflamed with fluid, it may require surgery. Although shoulder bursitis can cause pain, resting is the best way to minimize the damage.

Treatment for chronic bursitis usually consists of limiting activity that causes swelling. The doctor may recommend immobilization with a splint, anti-inflammatory medications, and padding. Ice should be applied to the affected shoulder two to three times a day. The ice should be applied for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Heat should not be applied to the affected shoulder. It may also be necessary to see a doctor for a bursitis diagnosis or to treat the condition.

Rotator cuff tear

A rotator cuff tear in the shoulder is a serious injury that can result in pain. It is a group of tendons and muscles that protect the shoulder joint and allows you to lift and move your arm. Injuries to this group of tendons and muscles can result in partial or complete tears. People of all ages can suffer from a rotator cuff tear. While it is more common in older adults, it can also occur in younger patients.

While there is no single definitive test for this condition, MRI has shown to be highly accurate. It has a 91% sensitivity and a 9% false-negative rate, which makes it a reliable diagnostic tool for partial-thickness tears. However, MRI is not recommended for routine use because it requires a needle to enter the joint. This type of scan can also cause infection. Nevertheless, stem cell therapy is still the gold standard for a rotator cuff tear.

Broken clavicle

A fractured clavicle in a shoulder injury can lead to significant pain. Conservative therapy may be sufficient to manage symptoms while healing occurs. Immobilization may be necessary for three to four weeks. In the meantime, patients should avoid contact sports or hard blows to the shoulder. Physical rehabilitation can increase range of motion and strengthen the shoulder. Once the fracture has healed, patients can resume activity. However, if pain persists, further treatment may be necessary.

Treatment for a broken clavicle in a shoulder injury depends on the location of the fracture. A fractured clavicle will likely cause pain in the sternoclavicular area, which gets worse when the patient moves their shoulder. Patients should avoid supine positions while recovering from trauma. It may be necessary for the patient to elevate the arm while lying on their back. Patients should not support their arm until there is no underlying cervical injury.

Impingement syndrome

Shoulder impingement is a common condition that develops from overusing the shoulder. People with heavy lifting duties or sports activities are particularly at risk for developing this condition. The best way to prevent shoulder impingement is to avoid repetitive overhead activities. A good way to reduce inflammation is by applying ice to the affected area. It is also important to balance your workout routine. Your physician can also prescribe a course of therapy.

In the first stage, a physical therapist may recommend that you rest the shoulder and avoid overhead weightlifting. You may also be advised to rest from your sport or activity for a period of time. A physical therapist will design a safe progressive resistance program that will strengthen the muscles of the shoulder. These exercises may include strengthening your core (midsection). The therapist will also choose which exercises to perform based on your age and the appropriateness of the gym for your condition.

Symptoms of impingement may become worse over time, particularly if you sleep on the affected side. You may have difficulty raising your arm over your head or behind your back. It can also cause weakness in the arm. Depending on the severity of the condition, impingement syndrome can lead to a decreased range of motion and a worsening of symptoms. If you have symptoms of this condition, seek treatment as soon as possible.

NSAIDs

Taking NSAIDs for shoulder injury can be helpful for shoulder pain relief. However, these medications can delay tendon-to-bone healing. These drugs inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) which decreases the amount of prostaglandins, which are needed for the healing process. However, acetaminophen has no COX-2 inhibitory effect.

Aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen are two common types of NSAIDs for shoulder pain. These drugs reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint. They are effective in relieving pain from a sprained or strained shoulder. NSAIDs may be prescribed in conjunction with physical therapy or steroid injections. When these medications are used regularly, they can reduce the need for painkillers.

NSAIDs are an excellent way to reduce the pain of a shoulder injury. Aspirin and ibuprofen are effective painkillers, but they can also interact with other medications. If taken on an empty stomach, they can cause heartburn and stomach ulcers. Long-term use of these medications can damage the kidneys. As a result, they should not be used for more than two weeks.

Corticosteroids

Injections are common in the treatment of shoulder injuries. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications that are often prescribed for pain and inflammation. A steroid can relieve pain and improve movement. Injections can help restore range of motion and provide a window of opportunity for comprehensive physiotherapy. However, some side effects of steroid injections may need to be avoided or managed with other treatments.

One of the potential side effects of corticosteroids is the possibility of thinning of the tendon tissue. Injections are usually limited to two or three per year to avoid the possibility of side effects. Some studies suggest that corticosteroid injections can improve surgery results. However, doctors should be aware of the risks and side effects of corticosteroid injections before recommending them for shoulder injuries.

In a recent study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of steroid injections in shoulder injury. They compared nonsurgical and surgical treatment for pain associated with the shoulder. The participants in the study all suffered from bursitis, tendinitis, and rotator cuff injury. The study participants received steroid injections or nonsurgical treatments. Those who received steroid injections had more doctor visits related to shoulder problems.

Treatment Options

The first step to effective nonoperative treatment of shoulder injury is rest. The physician and physical therapist will work together to determine the cause of pain and design an appropriate treatment plan. Physical therapy will focus on strengthening and improving range of motion. Strength exercises may require special training and focus on good form. Patients may also be prescribed medication to reduce pain and speed up recovery. These methods are most effective in the early stages of recovery and may require several sessions of physical therapy.

A physical examination will determine the cause of the pain and identify structural problems. The physician may measure the strength and flexibility of the shoulder. This may require a range of arm movements to identify the problem. The physical exam will also detect any fractures. If the cause is not structural, the treatment will focus on treating the injury and preventing recurrence. Depending on the type of shoulder injury, physical therapy may involve a combination of rest and exercises to help the shoulder recover.