Having the full range of motion in your shoulder without pain may be something many of us take for granted. If you have sustained a shoulder injury in an accident, you may long for such times. Shoulder injuries can be extremely painful and have a significant impact on the ability of our shoulders to function properly. This can mean limited mobility of not just the shoulder but also the arm as the arm greatly relies on the shoulder for proper range of motion and function. Fortunately, there are medical treatment options for shoulder injuries that can help reduce pain and improve mobility in the shoulder and, as a result, the arm. Here, we will look at treatment options for shoulder injuries.
Shoulder Injury Treatment Options
There are several different kinds of shoulder injuries that are commonly sustained as the result of accidents such as auto accidents and slip and falls. The type of treatment that will be recommended by your doctor will depend in large part on the nature of your injury as well as the extent or severity of the injury. Let us take a look at some of the more common shoulder injuries that are sustained in accidents and the possible treatment options for them.
- Dislocation: If you have dislocated your shoulder, your doctor will likely reset it. In many cases, shoulder dislocation will not merit surgery. Instead, a doctor may order use of a sling to stabilize the area as the healing process progresses. You may also be recommended to undergo physical therapy to improve your shoulder’s range of motion and to strengthen the area. For pain management, your doctor may recommend hot or cold therapy for the area or prescription pain medication, which can have the added benefits of reducing inflammation to the area.
- Torn Rotator Cuff: The rotator cuff refers to the bundle of muscles in the shoulder and surrounding it. More severe rotator cuff tears may need surgical intervention. Less severe tears may only require the use of a sling to stabilize the area and then physical therapy to help rebuild strength and build back mobility. As the area heals, your doctor may also recommend massage therapy to help ease muscle tension and reduce the pain and stiffness you may be experiencing as a result of the injury.
- Bone fracture: The collarbone, shoulder blade, and upper arm bone all work together in the shoulder to help ensure the full range of motion. A fracture to any one of these bones can result in serious pain in the shoulder and surrounding area as well as the inability for the shoulder to fully function as it should. A fracture may very well require surgical intervention. A bone graft may be needed or even a total shoulder replacement. For minor fractures, the bone may heal on its own. After surgery, and as your shoulder injury heals, you may be recommended for physical therapy. Physical therapy focuses on exercises that will help get your shoulder its range of motion back and strengthen it to help prevent further injury to the area.
Contact Our Expert Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys Today!
Getting immediate medical treatment, as well as consistent follow-up medical treatment, can be critical to help ensure that your shoulder injury properly heals. It is also critical to the strength of your personal injury claim as medical evidence is of the utmost importance to substantiating your claim. For dedicated legal assistance in pursuing your right to full and fair compensation after sustaining an accident injury, Compass Law Group is here for you. Contact us today.
