From the Guidelines
Treatment for a shoulder sprain typically involves the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest the shoulder by limiting movement and avoiding activities that cause pain. Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48-72 hours to reduce swelling and pain. Compression with an elastic bandage or shoulder brace can provide support and reduce swelling. Elevate the shoulder above heart level when possible. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) can help manage pain and inflammation. After the initial acute phase (2-3 days), gentle range-of-motion exercises should be introduced to prevent stiffness. Physical therapy may be necessary for moderate to severe sprains to restore strength and mobility. Most shoulder sprains heal within 2-8 weeks depending on severity. If pain persists beyond two weeks, worsens significantly, or is accompanied by numbness or inability to move the shoulder, medical evaluation is necessary as this could indicate a more serious injury like a tear or dislocation requiring different treatment.
Some key points to consider in the treatment of shoulder sprains include:
- The use of proper positioning and maintenance of shoulder range of motion to reduce the risk of complications such as shoulder subluxation and pain 1.
- The potential benefits of analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for pain relief in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain 1.
- The possible use of injections, such as corticosteroid injections, for the treatment of shoulder pain in certain cases 1.
- The importance of gentle range-of-motion exercises and physical therapy to restore strength and mobility in the shoulder joint 1.
It's worth noting that the evidence for the treatment of shoulder sprains is not always conclusive, and different studies may have different recommendations. However, the RICE protocol and the use of over-the-counter pain medications are generally accepted as effective treatments for shoulder sprains. Additionally, physical therapy and gentle range-of-motion exercises can help to restore strength and mobility in the shoulder joint. As always, if pain persists or worsens, medical evaluation is necessary to rule out more serious injuries.
From the Research
Treatment for Shoulder Sprain
The treatment for a shoulder sprain typically involves a combination of rest, ice therapy, compression, and elevation (RICE) [ 2 ]. This approach is important for managing acute soft-tissue injuries such as contusions, strains, and sprains.
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the injury.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 20 minutes, several times a day, for several days [ 2 ].
- Compression: Use a bandage or wrap to compress the affected area.
- Elevation: Elevate the affected arm to reduce swelling.
Pain Management
Mild pain due to a shoulder sprain can be treated with acetaminophen, rather than aspirin, to avoid affecting blood coagulation [ 2 ]. For more severe cases or specific conditions like shoulder impingement syndrome, treatments such as kinesiotaping or subacromial corticosteroid injections may be considered in addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [ 3 ].
Alternative Treatments
Other treatments for shoulder conditions, including sprains, may involve physical therapy [ 4 ] or local corticosteroid injections for symptom relief [ 5, 6 ]. The choice of treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and the severity of the condition.
Important Considerations
It's essential to determine the cause of shoulder pain through history, physical examination, and sometimes laboratory testing and imaging [ 5 ]. Most shoulder conditions are initially treated with conservative measures like rest, physical therapy, and analgesics, with corticosteroid injections considered when these measures fail [ 5 ].