Shoulder Separation

Symptoms of a shoulder separation include pain when the injury occurs. Limited shoulder movement as well as swelling and bruising may follow. The small joint over the shoulder may be tender. A deformity is possible at the outer end of the collarbone. There may be a bump on top of the shoulder.

A shoulder separation is diagnosed through a medical history, a physical exam, and an X-ray.

Your doctor will check:

• For a deformity or bump.
• The range of motion of your shoulder and other joints.
• Blood flow, by taking your pulse and assessing your skin color and temperature.
• For damage to your nerves or blood vessels.
• The muscle strength of your shoulder and arm.
• For broken shoulder bones or damage to the tendons in the shoulder (rotator cuff tear).

Your doctor will probably X-ray your injured shoulder and possibly your uninjured shoulder to help diagnose the severity of the separation.

Treatment of a shoulder separation depends on its severity. For a type I or II injury, you support your shoulder with a sling. You typically need the sling until the discomfort decreases (a few days to a week). Early physical therapy to strengthen your shoulder and regain range of motion is important for recovery and to prevent frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), a condition that limits shoulder motion . You can return to normal exercises and activities as your pain and other symptoms go away.

Treatment for type III injuries can vary. Some doctors treat them with a sling and physical therapy, while others feel surgery may be needed.

Type IV through VI injuries should be evaluated for possible surgery.