5 Factors That Put You at Risk of a Pulled Shoulder Muscle

Rehabbing a shoulder can be a long and painful process. It is better to avoid shoulder injuries. Here are the common risks for a pulled shoulder muscle.

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Shoulder pain is a serious matter that requires medical consultation and treatment. It’s not one of those problems you can treat at home. 

Whether it is a result of a strenuous exercise or a simple act of lifting a light object, a pulled shoulder muscle is a painful experience. 

Muscles of the shoulder are prone to strains, but they can be treated with good care and therapy. 

When Does a Shoulder Pull/Muscle Pull Occur?

When a sudden force causes the muscle fiber to stretch to an extent that is beyond its capacity, the small tears can lead to a pull.

The healing period is painful. You might experience soreness and inability to move your shoulder. Shoulder injuries should be treated right away as a delay can cause a permanent inability of movement.

Factors That Put You at Risk of a Pulled Shoulder Muscle

There are several factors that can put you at risk of this injury. They include:

Dislocation

A sudden jerk can pull back your shoulder or rotate it too far. This can cause dislocation meaning that the top of the arm might come out of the socket. You can feel pain and swell along with bruising and numbness.

A visit to the emergency room is required to re-locate your shoulder. 

Separation

This affects the point where your collarbone and should joint come together. A fall or a sudden blow can tear the ligament that holds it together. If your collarbone gets pushed, you might see a bump on the top of your shoulder.

Rotator Cuff Tear

These are the group of muscles or tendons that hold your arm together. These muscles also help you lift your arm. Overuse of these muscles or a fall can injure them. It can begin to wear and tear as you age.

Your shoulder might hurt a night or when you try to lift heavy objects. You might also hear a crackling sound when you move it.

Frozen Shoulder

Adhesions built up in the joint can restrict the movement of your shoulder. These abnormal band of tissues does not allow you to move your shoulder. An injury or surgery might have caused the accumulation of adhesions. 

This accumulation then leads to pain and freezes the shoulder. With proper treatment and therapy, you can restore the movement.

Impingement

If the tendons of the rotator cuff get squeezed, it can cause swelling and pain. If you lift your arm over your head a lot then there is a high chance you might develop this condition. 

A little care can help you prevent such a condition.

Arthritis is a common disease present among people of all ages and sexes. It is more commonly found among women and occurs as people get older. The symptoms include swelling, stiffness, pain and restricted range of motion. This disease is often a root cause of other diseases and conditions.

Clinical evaluation of shoulder pain has changed over the years. There is a more detailed inspection of causes and treatment that can help patients in having full movement in minimum time.                                                                            

Symptoms of a Pulled Shoulder Muscle

There is no chance that you will not feel a pulled shoulder muscle when it occurs. Shoulder muscle anatomy shows that it is a sensitive area and an abrupt change in the body can cause the muscle to stretch and tear. 

Some of the symptoms of a pulled shoulder include:

  • Soreness
  • Onset of pain
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Weakness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Bruising and discoloration
  • Restricted movement

These are some of the symptoms that can be seen in people who suffer from rotator cuff pain.

First Aid Treatment for a Pulled Shoulder

Rotator cuff injury requires you to withdraw activity immediately. As you will need time to reach the doctor, there are certain actions that can help you in alleviating the pain a bit.

Rest

Take rest and try not to use the affected muscles. This can help you in restoring movement. Make sure you do not prolong it and try to use your muscles after two days of the injury. As prolonging it can delay the healing process.

Use an Ice Pack

Putting an ice pack on the affected area can reduce swelling. Keep it on your shoulders for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Elevate the Injured Area

Keep the injured area elevated (above your heart). This can increase the blood circulation towards the area.

These are some of the first aid treatments that can be given to people who suffer from pulled shoulder muscle.

Rotator cuff stretches are important for increasing flexibility and motion range for the muscle. The chest and upper back muscles can also benefit from this exercise. These stretches for your rotator cuff allow you pain-free and unrestricted movement.

When You Should See a Doctor

It is recommended to see a doctor immediately as delaying it can cause permanent damage. Doctors usually run a rotator cuff injury test that can help them in making a diagnosis.

You should see a doctor if:

  • Severe pain or bruising
  • Pain which does not abate after a week
  • Numbness
  • Blood coming out of the injured area
  • Restricted movement 
  • Suspected broken bone or dislocation

Be Careful and Avoid Jerking Movements

With little care one can take care of the shoulders and avoid such conditions. Should injuries are common but if the condition persists it can cause a pulled shoulder muscle.

The persistence of such condition can also lead to some permanent damage. You need to make sure that you are taking care of your body. Jerking movements often result in such a condition.

A healthy lifestyle and exercise can help you prevent such conditions. Keep reading our blog for more health and fitness tips.