Treatments for Summertime Shoulder Sprains/Strains

It’s summertime, and many people are excited to get outside and participate in their favorite activities. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the warm weather, playing sports, going for a hike or simply enjoying a leisurely walk. However, with increased physical activity comes a higher risk of injury. One common injury that occurs during the summer months is a shoulder sprain or strain.

The skilled and experienced team at Caliber Pain™ in New York City offers numerous effective treatments for shoulder strains and sprains to relieve discomfort and restore mobility.

What’s the Difference Between a Shoulder Sprain and Strain?

It is vital to understand the difference between a shoulder sprain and strain. A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the shoulder are stretched or torn, while a strain results from the muscles and tendons being stretched or torn. Both types of injuries can be painful and limit your range of motion.

The symptoms of both injuries are very similar, so a professional diagnosis is critical to ensure the most effective treatment. Caliber Pain™ specialists can use several modalities and technologies to examine and diagnose shoulder injuries, including X-rays, MRI scans and ultrasound.

Treatment Options

Shoulder strain or sprain treatment is tailored to the severity of your injury. Some of the standard treatment pathways we can recommend include:

• Rest – resting the affected shoulder involves avoiding any activities that could cause further damage and allowing the shoulder to heal.
• Ice therapy – this is usually very effective in reducing pain and inflammation. Applying ice to the shoulder for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day can help to reduce swelling and numb the area.
• Heat therapy – is often added after the first few days of cold therapy to help increase blood flow and promote healing.
• Physical therapy – we have trained and experienced physical therapists that can work with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan that includes exercises to help strengthen the shoulder and improve your range of motion.
• Medication – your specialist at Caliber Pain™ may prescribe specific medications to help manage pain and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and swelling. We may also recommend fluoroscopic injections to target areas of damage and pain with healing substances and pain relief medication.

Surgery may be necessary to repair the damage if conservative treatments are ineffective. This is typically reserved for more severe injuries where the ligaments or tendons are entirely torn and cannot heal independently. Surgery may involve correcting the torn tissue or replacing it with a graft.

New York Shoulder Sprain and Strain Treatment

Shoulder sprains and strains can be painful and limiting injuries, but several treatments are available to help manage symptoms and promote healing. If you experience a shoulder injury this summer, contact us at Caliber Pain™ in NYC, so our specialist team can determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.