Shoulder Separation: Symptoms and Treatment [3 of 5]

Am I at risk for a shoulder separation?

The risk of sustaining a shoulder separation increases with: (1) Contact sports. (2) Previous shoulder sprain or separation. (3) Obesity. (4) Poor muscle conditioning. (5) Inadequate protection from equipment.

What is the proper care for a shoulder separation?

The appropriate health care for a shoulder separation is a doctor's care. This will include: (1) Application of a sling, tape or elastic bandage. (2) Self-care during rehabilitation. (3) Physical therapy (moderate or severe pain).

Are there any complications with a shoulder separation?

Some possible complications can be (1) Prolonged healing time if usual activities are resumed too soon. (2) Proneness to repeated injury. (3) Inflammation at the ligament attachment to the bone (periostitis). (4) Prolonged disability (sometimes). (5) Unstabile or arthritic acromioclavicular joint following repeated injury.

How long does a shoulder separation take to heal?

If this is a first time injury, proper care and sufficient healing time before resuming activity should prevent permanent disability. Ligaments have a poor blood supply, and totn ligaments require as much healing time as fractures. Average healing times are: (1) Mild sprains-2 to 3 weeks. (2) Moderate Sprains- 3 to 6 weeks. (3) Severe sprains- 6 to 8 weeks.

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