Tips For Treating A Separated Shoulder

Avoid Strenuous Activity

After the shoulder injury, the most important thing patients can do is avoid strenuous activity and rest. Athletes, especially those who participate in contact sports, will need to take a break for a few weeks. Depending on the injury's severity, these patients may also want to get a doctor's sign-off that they're well enough to pick up sports again after they're healed. Patients should also avoid lifting heavy objects or doing upper body exercises that strain the shoulder, as it's important to minimize movement so the muscle can heal. Moving too much will pull the injured fibers further apart. One particularly harmful motion is crossing the arm over the chest. It might help patients to place their arm in a sling on a temporary basis to keep the joint immobilized. This solution also reduces pressure on the shoulder, which can help lessen swelling and speed up the healing process.

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