Shoulder Muscle Strain

Muscle strain commonly occurs between the shoulder blade, neck and shoulders. Muscle strain is a condition in which the shoulder muscle fibers tears as a consequence of overstretching.  

Symptoms 

The usual symptoms of muscle strains are stiffness, swelling, bruising and localized pain around the strained muscle. The pain could be aggravated by stretching the affected muscle and as a result, range of motion would be limited.  

Cause 

Shoulder muscle strains can happen in any age groups. Severe shoulder strain happens, when the person falls down, performing repetitive activity and/or using fast rapid movement of the shoulder. Nevertheless, people easily can get strains from everyday activities.  

Treatment 

During the initial stage (acute phase) of the injury, perform R.I.C.E as soon as possible. 

R.I.C.E:  

Rest: Cease all activities immediately that can aggravate the injury. 

Ice: Apply an ice pack with a good layer of cloth or fabric between the skin and ice to avoid an ice burn. Do not apply the ice for more than 9-15 minutes at a time because the blood circulation will adapt to the temperature. 

Compression: Wrap cloth or any other materials around the shoulder area to reduce swelling. 

Elevation: Keep the shoulder elevated closet to the level of the heart as possible to prevent blood building up in the injured area. 

If you perform the above steps, it will help stop swelling and pain while the body tries to heal itself. Treatment of the shoulder should also include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as, Ibuprofen or Voltaren. These drugs would reduce inflammation, swelling and also relieves pain.  

If the person is suffering from severe pain or swelling, make sure he/she consult your local medical practitioner as there is a possibility of a broken bone or torn ligament.  

Shoulder exercises 

As the pain and swelling subsides, the person should perform shoulder exercises immediately. Retraining the shoulder muscles is essential to regain normal strength and length. If the person does not do this, the muscle would weakened and become very tight.  

Ultrasound 

Ultrasound can be used to break down scar tissue and promote healing in the muscle fibers. Consult your local physical therapist or chiropractor to ultrasound your shoulder. 

Massage Therapy 

Deep tissue massage is very beneficial. It helps improves circulation to the muscles, increases shoulder range of motion, reduces pain, stretches and accelerates healing.