Contusion to the Shoulder Treatment
Most shoulder contusions will heal in a couple weeks with only supportive care. General measures for a shoulder contusion includes rest, cold compresses, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. A shoulder sling may provide comfort for more severe shoulder contusions.
Treatment options for a shoulder contusion may include:
- Rest:
- Shoulder sling
- Long term immobilization in a sling can lead to frozen shoulder.
- If you wear a shoulder sling for longer than a week make sure you perform shoulder range of motion exercises twice a day to avoid frozen shoulder.
- Cold compresses
- Apply for 20 minutes at a time, 2 to 3 times per day
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, NeoProfen)
- Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Oruvail)
- Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, Aleve)
- Narcotic pain medication:
- For moderate to severe pain
- For short term use only
Contusion to the Shoulder Questions For Doctor
The following are some important questions to ask before and after the treatment of shoulder contusion.
Questions to ask before treatment:
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the risks associated with treatment?
- What are the complications I should watch for?
- Do I need medication?
- How long will I be on medication?
- What are the potential side effects of my medication?
- Does my medication interact with nonprescription medicines or supplements?
- Should I take my medication with food?
Questions to ask after treatment:
- Are there any medications or supplements I should avoid?
- When can I resume my normal activities?
- When can I return to work?
- What else can I do to reduce my risk for having a shoulder sprain again?
- Will I need to see my doctor for a checkup?
Contusion to the Shoulder Specialist
Physicians from the following specialties evaluate and treat a shoulder contusion:
Continue to Contusion to the Shoulder Home Care
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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