Shoulder Injury After A Car Accident: Diagnosis & Treatment

How We Approach Treating Shoulder Injuries

At Pro-Care Medical Centers, our team of car accident doctors and chiropractors offers a wide range of treatment options for shoulder pain and injuries after an accident. The exact course of treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the type of injury, its severity, your specific symptoms, and any related health concerns. Our car accident doctors understand that no two people will have the exact same experience when it comes to a car accident injury. That’s why we provide you with a personalized treatment plan specific to your injury and to help alleviate your pain and other symptoms. 
If you experience any shoulder pain, tenderness, swelling, or weakness, a shoulder doctor at Pro-Care Medical Centers can help. We always have your best interest in mind when determining what treatment options will help you recover swiftly and safely. We always start off with conservative and minimally invasive treatment options to help with your shoulder pain after a car accident. If more aggressive treatment is necessary, our car accident doctors will talk to you about your options and what to expect with your recovery and rehabilitation. To schedule an appointment, book online or call a Pro-Care Medical Center near you.

What Happens In A Shoulder Injury Diagnosis?

A car accident doctor will provide you with an accurate diagnosis for your shoulder pain and other symptoms. They will perform a physical examination of the area to assess for any physical deformities and obvious signs of injury like redness, bruising, or swelling. Your car accident doctor may also assess your range of motion by asking you to perform certain movements, like raising your arms above your head or out to the side. The specific movements they request may depend on the type and severity of your shoulder pain and injury. 

It is also important to talk to your doctor about your medical history, along with information about any injuries or health conditions that may impact your shoulder, joints, or soft tissues. Your doctor needs to understand your full medical history in order to take into consideration how this injury may have impacted you and what you can expect for healing and recovery. Your doctor may ask you some of the following questions to help diagnose the injury causing your shoulder pain: 

• Do you have pain in one or both shoulders?
• When did you first notice the pain?
• Do any movements or actions make the pain worse?
• Does your shoulder hurt when you’re not moving?
• Does the shoulder pain keep you awake at night?

These questions and more will help your car accident doctor determine the most accurate diagnosis for your symptoms so you can get the quality treatment and care you need for your car accident injuries.

Shoulder Injury Treatment & Recovery

From home remedies to in-office services, here are some examples of treatment options your car accident doctor may recommend for you.

• Ice & Heat Therapy

For a mild injury after a car accident, you can apply ice to your shoulder. The cold temperature will help reduce inflammation in the area and also provide a temporary numbing sensation. Once any swelling and inflammation have gone down, you can also alternate an ice pack with a heating pad or warm compress. Applying heat to the area will help soothe stiff, sore muscles and promote healthy blood flow to the area. 

• Medications

There are different medications available to help manage pain and inflammation in your shoulder after a car accident injury. Over-the-counter medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help with both pain and inflammation symptoms of a shoulder injury. Your doctor may also recommend other medications or prescriptions depending on your specific injury. 

• Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractors utilize a variety of techniques to help manage shoulder pain and support your healing from a car accident injury. Chiropractors use natural, hands-on chiropractic care to restore the healthy alignment of the bones and joints in your body. They also work with soft tissues like sore or strained muscles to help relieve your pain and discomfort. Your shoulder pain may also be impacted by your posture, so a chiropractor will assess you for any posture issues that may impact your healing and recovery.