Dominic Stone
A pulled shoulder muscle, or shoulder strain, is a common injury caused by overstressing or overusing the shoulder. It can be sustained through athletic activities such as swimming, tennis, and weightlifting, or even during everyday household activities like gardening. Shoulder strains can cause swelling and pain, and in some cases, may require surgery. However, most shoulder strains can be treated at home using the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can also help with pain and swelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Pulled shoulder muscles can be caused by overstressing or overusing the shoulder, lifting heavy objects, or playing sports that involve repetitive arm movement. Forceful impact or a fall can also cause a pulled shoulder muscle. |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, redness, bruising or discolouration, reduced range of motion, and instability. |
| Treatment | Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE method), NSAIDs, physical therapy, steroid injections, and in some cases, surgery. |
| Prevention | Keeping muscles and tendons flexible, and learning stretching and strengthening exercises. |
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What You'll Learn
Shoulder sprains and strains
A pulled shoulder muscle, or shoulder strain, occurs when a tendon or muscle is overstretched. This can be caused by overstressing or overusing the shoulder, such as through repetitive arm movements or lifting heavy objects. It can also be caused by a forceful impact or fall. Shoulder strains are a common injury, especially among athletes.
Shoulder sprains, on the other hand, are injuries that occur when ligaments in the shoulder are torn or stretched too far. Like shoulder strains, they are commonly caused by sports injuries or falls.
Both shoulder sprains and strains can cause swelling and pain. Other symptoms include reduced range of motion, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, and redness. If you suspect you have a shoulder strain or sprain, you should visit a healthcare provider, who can diagnose the injury and recommend treatment options.
Treatment for shoulder sprains and strains typically involves the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can also help relieve pain and swelling. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. The recovery time for shoulder sprains and strains depends on the severity of the injury, ranging from a few days to a few months.
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Treatment options
Rest
Resting the shoulder is an important part of the treatment. Avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort, such as lifting heavy objects. It is important to not stop moving your shoulder completely, as this can cause complications like muscle weakness.
Ice
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Use an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours when you are awake during the first few days after the injury. Do not put ice directly on your skin; always use a fabric barrier.
Compression
Compression can be applied to the shoulder with an elastic bandage to minimize swelling. Ensure that the bandage is not too tight, as this can cause pain, numbness, or swelling below the bandage.
Elevation
Keep the injured shoulder elevated to reduce swelling.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help reduce pain and swelling. These can be prescribed by a healthcare provider or bought over the counter. They can be administered as pills, gels, creams, or patches.
Sling
Using a sling to immobilize the shoulder can help relieve pain and prevent further injury by keeping the arm from pulling on the shoulder. However, it is important to not use a sling for too long without consulting a doctor, as it can cause muscle weakness.
Physical Therapy
Once the pain has eased, physical therapy can help regain shoulder movement and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be required if the injury is severe or if non-surgical treatments are ineffective.
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Causes of pulled shoulder muscles
A pulled shoulder muscle, also known as a shoulder strain, occurs when a tendon or muscle in the shoulder is overstretched. The shoulder is a complex joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) connects to the shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle). It is held together by ligaments, which are bands of tissue that prevent the bones from moving too far and keep the joint stable.
Shoulder strains are commonly caused by overstressing or overusing the shoulder, such as through repetitive arm movements in sports or lifting heavy objects. Forceful impacts or falls can also cause shoulder strains. Additionally, a pulled shoulder muscle can be the result of a rotator cuff tear, which occurs when tendons in the shoulder pull away from the arm bone. This can happen due to overuse, repetitive movements, or an accident such as a fall. Age is also a factor, as the risk of a rotator cuff tear increases with age, and people over 40 are most at risk.
The symptoms of a pulled shoulder muscle can include pain, swelling, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, and redness. It is important to visit a healthcare provider if you are experiencing these symptoms, especially if you have taken a fall or experienced a hard impact. They can diagnose the injury and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Treatment for a pulled shoulder muscle typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin can help relieve pain and swelling, but acetaminophen may be recommended for muscle strains to avoid an increased risk of bleeding. In severe cases, surgery may be required. Recovery time can vary from a few days to a few months, depending on the severity of the injury.
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Diagnosis
A pulled shoulder muscle, or shoulder strain, is an injury caused by overstretching a tendon or muscle in the shoulder. Shoulder sprains, on the other hand, are caused by tearing or stretching the ligaments in the shoulder. While a pulled shoulder muscle can cause swelling, it is important to get a proper diagnosis to ensure that there is no more serious injury, such as a rotator cuff tear or a shoulder sprain.
To diagnose a pulled shoulder muscle, a doctor will start with a physical examination. They will check the location of your swelling and pain to assess the severity of the damage. They may also recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, to differentiate between a sprain, strain, or muscle tear.
If you have a pulled shoulder muscle, you will likely experience muscle spasms, muscle weakness, and redness in the affected area. You may also hear a popping sound at the moment of injury, which usually indicates a sprain.
It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing pain, swelling, or a reduced range of motion in your shoulder, especially if you have suffered a fall or injury. Shoulders are one of the most commonly injured joints, and early diagnosis can help ensure proper healing and prevent further complications.
Treatment
Most pulled shoulder muscles can be treated at home using the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can also help relieve pain and swelling. In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery or physical therapy to regain shoulder movement and strengthen the surrounding muscles.
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Prevention
Shoulder problems are common and can be caused by athletic activities that involve excessive, repetitive, overhead motion, such as swimming, tennis, pitching, and weightlifting. They can also occur during everyday activities such as washing walls, hanging curtains, and gardening.
To prevent shoulder injuries, it is important to maintain correct posture when sitting and standing. Slouching can cause muscles to tighten and nerves to get pinched.
Athletes are especially susceptible to shoulder problems, which can develop slowly through repetitive, intensive training routines. To prevent rotator cuff tears, it is important to keep muscles and tendons flexible. Consult a healthcare provider to learn stretching and strengthening exercises that can be done at home.
Shoulder sprains and strains are common sports injuries. They can be prevented by avoiding activities that cause pain or discomfort, such as lifting heavy objects.
If you have a dislocated shoulder, it must be put back into the socket as soon as possible to prevent complications. This is usually done in an emergency department by a doctor or healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a pulled shoulder muscle, or shoulder strain, can cause swelling. This is usually accompanied by pain and redness.
A pulled shoulder muscle, or shoulder strain, happens when a tendon or muscle is overstretched. Shoulder strains are common sports injuries, caused by lifting heavy objects or playing sports that involve repetitive arm movement.
If you have a pulled shoulder muscle, you should visit a healthcare provider. They may recommend the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can also help to relieve pain and swelling.
Shoulder sprains and strains often have similar symptoms, but a doctor can differentiate between the two with a physical exam. A sprain involves the tearing or stretching of ligaments, whereas a strain involves the tendon or muscle.
The recovery time for a pulled shoulder muscle depends on the severity of the injury. You may feel better in a few days, or it could take a few months.
