What is a Shoulder Sprain / Strain?
A sprain in the shoulder involves the ligaments while a strain involves the muscles around the shoulder. A sprain/strain typically occurs because the tissue has been overstretched too quickly, resulting in micro-tearing of the tissue. This results in painful inflammation typically increased with movement and use of the damaged tissue.
The damage from a sprain/strain can be minor or major, depending on the severity of the injury, the person’s health, and age. As we age, our tissue becomes less elastic and becomes more prone to tearing.
How Physiotherapy helps
Physiotherapy is a very important part of the recovery from a sprain/strain. First, the focus is on reducing pain and inflammation while maintaining or regaining range of motion. After the inflammatory phase is coming to an end the focus shifts to attaining a full range of motion and then gradual strengthening of the injured areas to regain normal strength. Towards the end of treatment, the focus is shifted to the coordination of the shoulder joint and education toward preventing future injury. If you have suffered a sprain or strain, call us today as soon as possible to start feeling relief and getting back to normal activities.
