Shoulder Sprain and Shoulder Strain; Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Shoulder Sprain (Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Separation) and Shoulder Strain – Have you ever injured your shoulder while playing a sport (swimming, tennis serves, throwing a baseball/softball/football) or trying to prevent yourself from falling? Was it difficult for you to raise your arm afterwards? Did your arm feel weak? If you said yes, then you may have sprained or strained your shoulder. Read the details below to learn the difference between a shoulder sprain and a shoulder strain.

Shoulder Sprain (Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Separation)

Causes

● Shoulder sprain is an injury that causes tears in the ligaments surrounding the AC joint, which is located between the acromion process and collar bone.
● Shoulder sprain occurs after falling directly onto the shoulder with the arm either tucked or restrained to the body.
● Shoulder sprain usually occurs in male athletes who play contact sports such as football, rugby, wrestling, and mixed martial arts.
● This type of injury can result in a shoulder dislocation.
● Shoulder separations can also be caused by motor vehicle accidents.
● When someone falls with his or her arm outstretched, the distal clavicle and acromion process may be fractured. Injury to the AC joint can damage the cartilage within the joint, which can later cause arthritis in the AC joint.
● A joint sprain is more common than a fracture.

Symptoms

● Pain in the upper shoulder (outer collarbone area) after a fall
● Decreased mobility
● Swelling and tenderness in the affected shoulder
● Patients who have a high pain tolerance may find it difficult to lift weights (bench press) or perform upper body exercises (dips and shoulder press) due to shoulder and clavicle pain.
● Patients with a separated shoulder injury will also complain of increased pain at night while sleeping or when they try to roll or push off the affected shoulder.

Diagnosis

● X-rays of the shoulder, clavicle, scapular, upper thoracic area, and cross body adduction may be performed to assess possible fractures.
● If patients complain of difficulty breathing and rib pain, an X-ray of the ribs (rib series) and chest will be performed.
● Depending on the severity of the pain and X-ray results, an MRI may be needed to evaluate the tissue for ligament and cartilage tears.

Treatment

● Rest
● Ice
● NSAIDs
● Physical therapy
● Keeping the shoulder immobile (wearing a shoulder sling)
● Follow up with your healthcare physician or go directly to the ER for a full shoulder, clavicle, and scapular assessment for severe pain and decline in mobility.
● Recovery time, physical therapy, and surgery will depend on the imaging results.

Shoulder Strain

Causes

● Shoulder strain is an injury that causes tearing or stretching of a muscle or tendon that attaches to a bone.
● Shoulder strain occurs after falling directly onto the shoulder with the arm either tucked or restrained to the body.
● This type of injury usually occurs in male athletes who play contact sports such as football, rugby, wrestling, and mixed martial arts.

Symptoms

● A shoulder strain presents with increased muscle spasms and decreased mobility.
● Swelling and tenderness occur in the affected shoulder.
● Patients who have a high pain tolerance may find it difficult to lift weights (bench press) or perform upper body exercises (dips and shoulder press) due to shoulder and clavicle pain.
● Patients with this injury will also complain of increased pain at night while sleeping or when they try to roll or push off the affected shoulder.

Treatment

● Recovery time depends on the person and type of muscle injury.