A First Aid Guide For Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder is a complex and versatile joint that plays a vital role in our movement. The shoulder has four parts: the clavicle, the scapula, the humerus, and the glenoid fossa. The joint in the shoulder is a type that is called a ball and socket. The ball is the top of the upper arm bone or humerus, and the socket is part of the shoulder blade or scapula. The shoulder can rotate in many directions because of its unique anatomy. Muscles and ligaments attach to the ball and hold it in place within the socket. The shoulder also has a lot of range of motion because of its loose conformation. This allows us to do things like reach up high or swing our arms around without much restriction. But with a great range of motion comes added risk for injury.  

PRICE 

The PRICE principle is a crucial step in the treatment of most acute and chronic injuries. This approach can help adults and children. Here are six words that summarize it: protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. 

Keep In Mind

PRICE is the basic principle of emergency first-aid for shoulder injuries. Remember to always tailor it to the type of injury. If a serious issue in progress is suspected, contact for help immediately.

Protect

It is important to take steps to ensure that you don’t sustain additional injuries. If you are in an area that is not safe, move to a safer place immediately. This could mean finding an open space if you’re outdoors.

This could also mean protecting the injured area by wearing a sling or tying a scarf or towel around it to keep it safe. 

Rest

Avoid doing any movement with your injured shoulder for up to 48 hours to assist in the healing process and prevent further damage. Rest the area by placing it in a neutral position. Do not lift the arm or twist the shoulder, as this may aggravate the condition and lead to a more severe injury. 

Ice

Sprains, strains, and other injuries often result in pain, inflammation, and swelling. One way to help reduce these symptoms and promote healing is to apply an icepack to the injured area. Icing helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, which can speed up the healing process. Apply the icepack to the injury for 20 minutes every other hour for the first 24 hours of the injury. Avoid applying the ice directly to the skin for too long, as this may cause frostbite.

Compression

Applying compression to the injured area can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which can speed up the healing process. Do this within the first few days after getting injured. Compression might not be easy on the shoulder joint. Use an elastic bandage to wrap and support the shoulder joint in the early stages.

Elevation

It is proven that elevation prevents the build-up of fluids to the injury, which in turn causes swelling. Elevating the injury above heart level allows gravity to help move the fluid away from the area. 

Get Checked By A Doctor

A serious shoulder injury needs to be checked by the doctor immediately. Take note of the below scenarios to know when to consult a doctor.

•  Pain that does not go away with medicine.
• Pain that keeps on recurring.
• Inability to lift the arm even after a few days of rest.
• Weakness of the arms and hands on the affected shoulder.
• A sensation that the shoulder joints have been dislocated.

Have you suffered a shoulder injury? We can help with the treatment and rehabilitation. Book an appointment with us today at N8 Family Chiropractic. 

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Resources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/shoulder-pain-remedies#signs-to-see-a-doctor

https://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/shoulder-pain/first-aid-shoulder-injuries

https://fittoplay.org/body-parts/shoulder/first-aid-for-shoulder-injuries/