1. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries
Mechanism, Signs & Symptom and Treatment
of Sprains, Strains, & Bursitis

2. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
Introduction
Think back to the lessons on muscle, ligament & joint injuries.
What is a strain?
What is a
sprain?

3. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
Objectives
Students will be
able to:
Identify the mechanism, signs
& symptoms and appropriate treatment of injuries to the shoulder & upper arm.

4. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains - Terminology
Anti-inflammatory
Medications that reduce inflammation

5. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
Sternoclavicular Sprain
SC Sprain
Mechanism:
When excessive force is applied to the clavicle
Motor vehicle crash (most)
Fall on outstretched arm or lateral shoulder

6. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
SC sprain
S & S:
1st degree: slight pain, some point tenderness
2nd degree: subluxation, slight deformity, pain, swelling, pt, limited ROM
3rd degree: dislocation, pain, swelling, deformity, limited ROM

7. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
SC sprain
S & S:
A posterior dislocation can be life-threatening
May cause compression of the trachea &/or major blood vessels of the neck

8. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
SC sprain
Treatment (TX):
Ice (RICE)
Anti-inflammatory meds
Immobilize with figure 8 brace/sling
Orthopedic referral
2nd/3rd degree
sprains
Dislocations

9. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
Acromioclavicular Sprain
AC Sprain
Mechanism:
Fall on top of shoulder
Fall on outstretched arm

10. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
AC sprain
S & S:
Pain at AC joint
pt on AC joint
Pain on active movement
Deformity with 2nd & 3rd degree
Drooping shoulder
+ Spring test
+ Traction test

11. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
AC sprain
Treatment (TX):
Ice (RICE)
Anti-inflammatory meds
Sling
Orthopedic referral
2nd/3rd degree
sprains
Dislocations
Protective padding -football

12. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
Rotator Cuff Strain
RC Strain
Mechanism:
Excessive motion beyond normal range
Overuse

13. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
RC strain
S & S:
Pain on motion
Pain on abduction
Weakness especially on abduction
ROM
May develop popping
Unable to abduct may indicate 3rd degree strain

14. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
Gentle strengthening & flexibility exercise
RC strain
Treatment (TX):
Ice (RICE)
1st + 2nd degree
Anti-inflammatory meds
Sling
Orthopedic referral
3rd degree strains

15. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
Shoulder bursitis
Typically subacromial bursa
Mechanism
Trauma from overuse or bone structure
May be acute caused by a direct blow to the top of the shoulder

16. Shoulder bursitis S&S Pain with active movement
Typically subacromial bursa
S&S
Pain with active movement
Most painful at end range, especially PROM
Mild swelling
TTP at acromion process

17. Shoulder bursitis Treatment RICE Anti-inflammatory meds/treatments
Typically subacromial bursa
Treatment
RICE
Anti-inflammatory meds/treatments
Maintain as much ROM as possible
DO NOT IMMOBILIZE!!!

18. Shoulder & Upper Arm Injuries Sprains & Strains
What’s My Injury?
With a partner, choose an injury
from today’s lesson & write a
creative scenario including
mechanism, signs &
symptoms & treatment.
Be prepared to
share with the
class.