Shoulder Strain/ Sprain
Though often used interchangeably, there's a subtle difference between a sprained shoulder and a shoulder strain. Pain resulting from a sprained shoulder injury results from the stretching or tearing of ligaments in the shoulder that attach bone to bone. Strained shoulders result from stretching or tearing the tendons that attach bone to muscle.
Your shoulder is a very mobile joint with very little stability, especially when placed in certain positions. Acute injuries should be swiftly addressed by your Midtown Manhattan sports injury doctor to avoid chronic problems. Although shoulder sprain treatment often mimics shoulder strain treatment, your pain or symptoms may differ slightly.
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Causes for Sprain Shoulder Issues
There are many different actions that can result in a sprained shoulder. The outer bony knob of your shoulder attaches to both your collarbone (clavicle) and your shoulder blade (scapula) by ligaments. The ligament that attaches the inner end of your collarbone to your sternum can also be damaged, although that's much rarer. A sprain shoulder injury can result from:
- A strong direct blow to the front or top of your shoulder
- A force on your arm that causes the ligaments to stretch, such as your arm being forced backward when raised 90 degrees at the shoulder
- Tearing or stretching of the ligaments or capsule connecting arm bones at the front of your shoulder
- Damage to the outer end of your collarbone
- Trauma from a fall
- Colliding with an object, such as during contact sports
- A crushing injury
- A kick to your breastbone, as during sports or from a horse
- Sideways or back tackle
- Severe stressing of the joint
The need for shoulder sprain treatment is common among athletes, especially those involved in full-contact sports such as hockey or football. Shoulder pain should never be ignored; seek medical attention right away.
Causes of Strained Shoulder Blades
Strained shoulder pain can be acute or chronic, depending on the injury. Acute injuries occur when the muscles or tendons become pulled or torn, resulting in muscle strain in the shoulder. Chronic injuries result from prolonged, repetitive movements on the job or in sports such as gymnastics, tennis, rowing, or golf.
Since your shoulder joint is so highly mobile, it's more susceptible to injuries. However, there are some risk factors that can contribute to more severely strained shoulder blades. These include poor conditioning, fatigue, improper warm-up, environmental conditions (that cause a fall), and poor equipment.
Symptoms Requiring Treatment for a Sprained Shoulder
There's some overlap between the symptoms of a sprained shoulder and strained shoulder blades, but there are subtle differences. Sprained shoulder symptoms include:
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Symptoms Requiring Shoulder Strain Treatment
Strains can have many of the same symptoms as above, as well as:
Ready to find relief from shoulder pain?
Dr. Melepura's Midtown Manhattan clinic offers same-day appointments for evaluation and treatment.
Reasons to Seek Shoulder Strain Treatment
Many mild shoulder sprains or strains can resolve on their own with home remedies such as rest and over-the-counter medications. Seek treatment from your doctor, however, when you experience:
- Pain, swelling or stiffness that doesn't improve in three days
- Popping sensations whenever you move the injured joint
- Inability to move or bear weight on the injured joint
- Bones that don't seem aligned properly
- Muscle strain in the shoulder that allows no movement whatsoever
- Repeated sprains or strains, indicating chronic weakness
- Fever while the area is red and hot, which may indicate an infection
Your doctor conducts a detailed physical exam to check for pulses, lack of feeling or impaired movement in your wrists and elbows as well as your shoulders. He may request x-rays, an MRI or CT scan to determine the exact nature of your injury.
Treatment for a Sprained or Strained Shoulder
Mild injuries usually resolve themselves with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Other treatments that help muscle strain in the shoulders include:
Anti-inflammatory medication
Electrotherapy treatment, such as an ultrasound or laser
Physical therapy
Steroid injections to reduce swelling
Arthroscopic or open tendon or ligament repair surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery
Conservative treatments aim for recovery in one to two weeks. Most who have surgery return to work in about four weeks, though athletes usually need three to five months for full recovery due to the added strain on the joint. Working closely with your Manhattan pain specialist ensures the most adequate treatment and the quickest return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Real Stories from our Patients
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD
Double Board-Certified Pain Specialist
Meet Dr. Febin Melepura — Your Shoulder Sprain & Strain Specialist in NYC
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD is a double board-certified interventional pain management specialist and the founder of the Sports Pain Institute of New York. He completed his residency and fellowship training at New York Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center, one of the nation's leading academic medical centers.
He holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine, and has treated more than 7,500 patients and performed over 5,250 procedures throughout his career. He has been named a Top Pain Management Doctor in New York and one of America's Top Doctors™ by Castle Connolly.
Dr. Melepura's approach to shoulder pain is rooted in precision: identify the exact source, treat it with a targeted injection, and get you back to your daily life as quickly as possible.
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Same-day appointments available. Call (212) 621-7746 or book online.
What Our Shoulder Pain Patients Say
"Able to make an appointment to see Dr. Melepura on short notice… attentive to my concerns… Jazmin was also very kind and helpful."
"Excellent hospitality, listener and explainer… highly recommend the doctor and the place."
"Dr. Melepura is the best! He worked with me to find the optimal solution to my shoulder pain while I was preparing for a fight!"
"Lovely, bright and modern… doctor and staff were kind… felt my concerns were heard."
"Helpful and friendly staff who gladly follows up with you if and when needed. Dr Melepura was very helpful and professional as well as provided me with excellent information and feedback."
"Dr Febin is fantastic! Highly recommend him and his practice the Spin clinic. The doctor is a good listener, kind, attentive and gave me great advice. "
"Dr.Melepura was very efficient and interpersonal, felt like he was understanding the problems I was having and explained the processes to take to rehabilitate. I would recommend."
"I felt listened to and truly understood by Dr. Melepura. Started PT the very next day. They were very friendly and I didn't feel rushed at all. Already recommended them to my friends who have or continue to play through pain."