Sprained Shoulder
Date issued: February 2025
For review: February 2027
Ref: A-555/NB/EB/Sprained Shoulder v2
PDF: Shoulder Sprain.pdf [pdf] 139KB
What is a sprain?
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments near a joint. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another. They help hold joints together. A minor sprain means the ligaments may have been overstretched. In more serious sprains the ligament may be partially or completely torn.
What are the symptoms?
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Pain at or near the injury site
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Difficulty moving the shoulder
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Swelling
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Bruising.
What is the treatment?
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Rest the shoulder for up to 2 days but start gentle early exercises e.g. shrugging shoulders as pain allows.
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Start to do the gentle exercises suggested here as your pain allows.
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Whilst lying on your back clasp your hands and raise your arms in an arc over your head.
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While standing, lean over so that you're directly facing the floor. Let your sore arm dangle straight down. Draw circles in the air with your dangling arm. Start with small circles and then draw bigger ones for about one minute (pendulums).
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Shoulder sprains may take many weeks to get fully better, especially in the elderly.
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Physiotherapy may be helpful for some patients with severe sprains.
Should I take painkillers?
Paracetamol is useful to ease pain. It is best to take it regularly for a few days or so, rather than every now and then. An adult dose is two 500 mg tablets, four times a day. A doctor may prescribe additional painkillers such as codeine if the pain is more severe. If you are prescribed a combination of paracetamol and codeine (e.g., cocodamol or codydramol) then it is important not to take additional paracetamol as you will accidentally overdose
Anti-inflammatory medication can be used with paracetamol or as an alternative. There are many types and brands. They relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling (often the cause of the pain). You can buy ibuprofen at pharmacies or supermarkets without a prescription. The dose varies depending on your age and other medical problems. Side-effects sometimes occur with anti-inflammatory painkillers. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice regarding them
If pain is not controlled by these simple painkillers, do not exceed the recommended dose but see your general practitioner to discuss the possibility of stronger painkillers.
What do I do if my symptoms are not improving?
Sprains of the ankle/foot normally take at least a few days to start improving. They may take weeks to heal properly.
Self-Referral to Physiotherapy
You have the option of a delayed referral to physiotherapy should your injury not settle with the advice given during your time in ED. If you feel you require physiotherapy then please use the link below to self-refer. This is also available via your General Practitioner.
