A shoulder contusion is a common injury, a bruise to the soft tissues or bone in the shoulder, resulting from direct impact without breaking the skin. It affects underlying structures.
Understanding Shoulder Contusions
A shoulder contusion occurs when direct force impacts the shoulder, rupturing tiny blood vessels within muscle, bone, or other soft tissues. This causes blood to leak into surrounding tissues, leading to the characteristic discoloration of a bruise. The extent of internal bleeding determines the bruise’s size and severity. This trauma can affect structures like the deltoid muscle, acromion, or humerus bone.
Shoulder contusions commonly result from direct blows or impacts. These can occur during falls, direct contact sports like football, rugby, or hockey, or other collisions. The concentrated force compresses soft tissues against underlying bone, causing damage.
Symptoms include localized pain at the impact site, worsening with movement or pressure. Tenderness to touch and visible swelling are common. Discoloration, from red/blue to purple, then yellow/green, appears as blood breaks down. Arm or shoulder movement may be restricted due to pain and swelling, affecting daily activities.
A contusion involves tissue damage but differs from fractures (bone breaks) or dislocations (bones out of alignment). It indicates intact bone structure and joint stability, though it can occur with more serious conditions. A healthcare professional may need to evaluate the injury to rule out other damage, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Treatment and Recovery
Immediate care for a shoulder contusion often follows the R.I.C.E. protocol:
Rest: Rest the injured shoulder to prevent further damage and allow healing.
Ice: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes, several times daily, to reduce swelling and numb pain.
Compression: Use a gentle elastic bandage to minimize swelling, ensuring it’s not too tight.
Elevation: Elevate the shoulder above the heart, if possible, to reduce fluid accumulation.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. These medications block chemicals causing pain and swelling. Always follow dosage instructions. Topical pain relief creams or gels can also offer localized relief.
Seek medical attention if:
Pain is severe and unmanageable with over-the-counter medication.
There is a noticeable deformity in the shoulder area.
You experience significant inability to move the arm, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.
Symptoms do not improve within a few days or worsen over time.
Recovery involves a gradual return to normal activity. Initial rest is followed by gentle range-of-motion exercises to restore flexibility and prevent stiffness. For severe contusions, a physical therapist may guide strengthening and mobility exercises. The recovery timeline ranges from a few days for minor bruises to several weeks for extensive contusions.
Preventive measures reduce the risk of shoulder contusions, especially in high-impact activities. Wear appropriate protective gear, like shoulder pads in contact sports, to absorb impact. Take precautions to avoid falls, such as maintaining clear walkways and using proper footwear. Regular exercise to maintain balance and strength can also help prevent falls.