There are numerous ligaments, tendons and muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. These can be injured if you fall on your shoulder; jerking or bending your shoulder in a direction it is not meant to move will also cause injury. The joint has moved a little further than it is used to and the joint, ligaments and muscles have been overstretched.
The first 48-72 hours we suggest POLICE treatment:
Protection - It is important that you look after your shoulder don’t play contact sport or undertake any fast or sudden movements; avoid movements which makes the pain in the wrist worse.
Optimal Loading - Avoid heavy lifting. If it hurts, don’t do it!
Ice - Use an ice pack or frozen peas over the injured shoulder in ten minutely intervals for approximately an hour a day, this should reduce swelling and inflammation. Please ensure ice is used with caution and never placed directly onto skin. A tea towel can be used as a first layer on your skin. After ten minutes of use, ensure your skin is allowed time to warm back up to normal temperature then reapply.
Compression - No compression is needed for shoulder injury.
Elevation - No elevation is needed for shoulder injuries but you may have been given a sling to use whilst your shoulder is painful, you should use this as instructed.
By this point your shoulder may feel slightly better. It’s now time to start moving it. Making gentle movements such as swinging your shoulder forwards and backwards in a swinging motion can help. Progress this into lifting forwards, to the side and backwards and holding at the top of the movement.
Simple analgesics can be used after injury, most of which can be bought over the counter in shops, supermarkets or pharmacy’s. Examples are:
You may have been prescribed an alternative pain killer, please refer to specific advice for that tablet if this is the case.
Most injuries take 2-3 weeks to recover but can sometimes take up to 6 weeks to be completely comfortable.
You may have been provided with a follow-up appointment with a shoulder specialist or physiotherapist. It is important that you keep your appointment to make sure your shoulder fully recovers.
If you have any ongoing concerns or queries about your shoulder injury you should contact NHS 111 or your local GP. If your concern is urgent or an emergency, attend your local Emergency Department.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a smoke-free organisation. You are not permitted to smoke or in use e-cigarettes in any of the hospital buildings or grounds.
