A torn shoulder ligament can be managed with rest and anti-inflammatory medications, injections, physical therapy or surgery.
The shoulder ligaments are stringy bands which support the bones of the area together and stabilize the shoulder joints. Trauma, sports injuries and repeated stress can result to tears in one or several of the shoulder ligaments. The tears can range from minor to severe.
Common treatment measures for a torn shoulder ligament
Adequate rest and anti-inflammatory medications
A torn shoulder ligament is commonly called as a sprain. The injury can range from microscopic tearing of the ligament fibers to full tears.
A mild injury often recuperates with simple treatment measures. Allowing the shoulder to rest, application of ice and anti-inflammatory medications might be enough to provide relief.
Cold therapy and anti-inflammatory medications can help lessen the pain and inflammation. Allowing the shoulder to rest allows the ligament enough time to heal and prevent the injury from worsening.
Depending on the site of the torn shoulder ligament, the doctor might suggest a sling, compression bandage or even taping of the shoulder to reduce motion of the affected joint as the injury heals.
Injection therapy
A torn shoulder ligament usually triggers pain and inflammation in the shoulder area. This can severely limit the use of the affected shoulder and arm. Pain, inflammation and swelling increases in parallel with the severity of the injury.
In case rest, oral anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy could not provide significant improvement, injection therapy might be suggested.
Corticosteroid injections lessens the pain and inflammation to help the individual tolerate and fully engage in physical therapy.
Physical therapy
This is the cornerstone of treatment for a torn shoulder ligament. Initially, it involves activity modifications to enable healing of the damaged tissue.
As the pain settles, physical therapy focuses on overcoming shoulder rigidity and strengthening of the area. Shoulder joint mobilizations might be done which involves moving the arm into several positions to improve the range of motion.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on a torn shoulder ligament is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize the indications of the injury, register for a first aid and CPR course with Toronto First Aid.