A “pulled muscle,” also known as a muscle strain, occurs when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn, ranging from mild to severe ruptures. These injuries can happen suddenly during physical activity or develop gradually from repetitive movements.
Common Sensations of a Pulled Shoulder Muscle
When a shoulder muscle is pulled, the initial sensation can be a sudden, sharp pain. This pain might then settle into a dull ache that intensifies with movement, particularly when lifting or rotating the arm. The affected area often feels tender to the touch, and you might notice stiffness or a restricted range of motion, making everyday tasks challenging.
You might also experience weakness when attempting to move your arm or lift objects. Bruising or swelling may also appear around the affected shoulder area. The pain often worsens with specific actions, such as reaching overhead, pushing, pulling, or even sleeping on the injured side.
Differentiating from Other Shoulder Pain
Distinguishing a pulled shoulder muscle from other shoulder issues involves recognizing differences in the type and location of pain. Unlike a pulled muscle, joint pain, such as from arthritis or a rotator cuff tear, often feels like a deeper ache originating from within the shoulder joint. This can be accompanied by clicking, grinding, or popping sensations with movement, which are less typical for a muscle strain.
Nerve pain, conversely, often presents as tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation that radiates down the arm, sometimes into the hand or fingers. This differs from the more localized muscle ache of a strain. Bone pain is usually very sharp, constant, and intensely tender directly over the bone, sometimes with a visible deformity after a traumatic event.
When to Seek Medical Attention and Initial Care
It is advisable to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, an inability to move your arm, significant swelling or bruising, or any visible deformity after a shoulder injury. Seek medical attention also if the pain does not improve with self-care after a few days, or if the injury resulted from significant trauma.
For minor muscle strains, self-care involves the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Resting the injured shoulder helps prevent further damage, while applying ice for 10-20 minutes multiple times a day can reduce pain and swelling. Gently compressing the area with an elastic bandage can also help minimize swelling, and elevating the arm, ideally above heart level, assists in fluid drainage. Avoid activities that worsen the pain during initial recovery.