If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of separating your shoulder, you’ll know that it can be a long and painful road to recovery. In this blog post, we spoke to a sports medicine doctor about the best ways to recover from a separated shoulder. According to them, there are several key steps that you need to take in order to ensure a successful recovery. Keep reading for more information!
A separated shoulder is a very common injury, particularly among athletes. It occurs when the ligaments that hold the shoulder joint in place are stretched or torn. This can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, as well as decreased range of motion in the affected arm.
There are several different degrees of separation, depending on the severity of the injury. A first degree separation is considered to be the least serious, while a fourth degree separation is considered to be the most serious. However, regardless of the degree of separation, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible so that you can begin your road to recovery.
If you think that you may have a separated shoulder, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to perform a physical examination and order any necessary imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI. However, there are some signs and symptoms that you can look out for in the meantime.
Some common signs and symptoms of a separated shoulder include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away so that they can properly diagnose your injury and begin your treatment.
The treatment for a separated shoulder will vary depending on the severity of the injury. For milder injuries, rest, ice, and pain medication may be enough to help you recover. However, more severe injuries may require surgery to repair the ligaments.
After your injury has been properly diagnosed, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically for you. Depending on the severity of your injury, they may recommend any of the following treatments:
The recovery process after sustaining a separated shoulder can vary depending on the severity of the injury. For milder injuries, you may be able to return to your normal activities within a few weeks. However, more severe injuries can take several months or even longer to recover from.
Your doctor will likely recommend a period of rest for your shoulder after the injury. They may also recommend icing the area and taking over-the-counter pain medication to help with any discomfort. Physical therapy can also be beneficial in aiding your recovery. For more severe injuries, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged ligaments. Recovery from a separated shoulder can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but it is typically a slow process. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and take things easy until your shoulder has fully healed.
If you have recently suffered a separated shoulder, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible so that you can begin your road to recovery. The treatment for a separated shoulder will vary depending on the severity of the injury, but rest, ice, and pain medication are typically recommended for milder injuries. More severe injuries may require surgery to repair the damaged ligaments. Recovery from a separated shoulder can be a slow process, but following your doctor’s recommendations and taking things easy will help you heal in no time.
During your recovery, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and not push yourself too hard. Try to focus on gentle exercises that don’t put too much strain on your shoulder joint. And be sure to ice your shoulder regularly and take any pain medication as prescribed. If you’re patient and follow your doctor’s recommendations, you should make a full recovery from your separated shoulder in time!
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com