SHOULDER INJURY

NOTE: If you are unable to lift your arm at all due to pain or weakness, you may have a torn tendon (Rotator Cuff injury). See a doctor.

Follow the RICE instructions.

Use a sling for up to three days after onset of severe pain.

Rotator Cuff Injury. Tape as in diagram. See Taping for details.

Shoulder dislocation. Keep the shoulder in the sling for two to three weeks. If it is the second time (or more) dislocated, you will need to keep in sling for 4 - 6 weeks to ensure healing and re-tightening of ligaments. In that case, also seek professional advice or make a face to face OOPS appointment.

Otherwise, after two or three days, start removing the sling for periods of time, until the pain increases to moderate discomfort.

After 3 days use Shoulder Assessment link below to guide your next action to recovery.

For pain that extends to the neck or down to the elbow, you will need a doctor or physiotherapy consultation.