What is a Shoulder Sprain?
A shoulder sprain is when there is damage to the ligaments that help keep the shoulder in place. A ligament is a fibrous connective tissue that connects bone to bone. These ligaments can be overstretched and partially or fully tear.
Anatomy of a Shoulder Sprain
Some of the ligaments that help surround the shoulder joint include:
- Glenohumeral Ligaments (GHL). A complex of 3 ligaments that help provide stability to the glenohumeral joint.
- Superior GHL. Attaches from the superior aspect of the glenoid and coracoid process to the superior aspect of the lesser tubercle.
- Middle GHL. Inferior to the Superior GHL. Attaches from the anterosuperior glenoid to the proximal humerus and base of the lesser tubercle.
- Inferior GHL. Runs from the inferior aspect of the glenoid labrum to the inferior aspect of the humeral neck. Often considered to be the strongest and most important ligament of the three GHL’s.
- Coraco-acromial Ligament (CAL). Attaches the coracoid process to the acromion process. Protects the head of the humerus and restrains the head of the humerus from moving superiorly. Can thicken and cause impingement syndrome .
- Coraco-clavicular Ligaments (CCL). Combination of two ligaments, the trapezoid and conoid ligaments, that attach the coracoid process to the clavicle (collarbone). Play an important role in keeping the shoulder blade attached to the collarbone during and stabilizing the joint during complex movements.
- Transverse Humeral Ligament (THL). Connects from the greater tubercle to the lesser tubercle on the humerus, which helps hold the long tendon of the biceps brachii in place within the bicipital groove.
How Does it Happen?
- Falling or slipping accidentally onto an outstretched arm
- Contact sports
- Overloading the shoulder with heavy objects
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Repetitive strain to the shoulder joint
Symptoms
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Reduced joint mobility
- Tenderness to the touch
- Instability
Risk Factors
- You may be at an increased risk for a shoulder sprain with the following:
- Playing certain sports (football, hockey, alpine skiing, rugby, wrestling, etc.)
- Involved in a motor vehicle or high velocity collision.
- Engage in repetitive motions that involve the shoulder joint
- Lift heavy objects
- Improper warm up prior to physical activity
Specialists in the Twin Cities
If you are experiencing any symptoms of shoulder sprain please contact us today to set up your appointment with a Minnesota physical therapist. We have physical therapy clinics located in Minneapolis and Edina.
