What Does a Torn Shoulder Ligament Feel Like?
The shoulder is one of the body's most mobile joints. Its flexibility and range of motion can make it vulnerable to ligament tears. Shoulder ligaments — the fibrous tissues that connect the bones of the shoulder joint to each other — can tear due to repetitive or traumatic stress.
Torn shoulder ligaments cause pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
What Is a Torn Shoulder Ligament?
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The ball (head of the humerus) sits in the socket (glenoid). The socket only partially covers the ball, and the surrounding tendons and ligaments help keep the ball attached to the socket and provide additional stabilization.
The main shoulder ligaments are:
Glenohumeral Ligaments (GHL): Connect the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade.
Coracoacromial Ligaments (CAL): Connect the two parts of the shoulder blade to each other.
Coracoclavicular Ligaments (CCL): Connect the clavicle to the scapula.
Transverse Humeral Ligament (THL): Keeps the long head of the bicep in place.
Together, these ligaments limit bone movement in the shoulder joint, stabilize the shoulder, and prevent the ball from popping out of the socket. A tear to one or more of the ligaments could result in the following symptoms:
Pain and swelling in the shoulder
Pain that increases with arm movement
Pain while shrugging the shoulder
Shoulder deformity
A shoulder ligament tear can feel similar to a sprain or strain. Therefore, it is essential to have any prologued shoulder pain, especially one that occurs after an injury, diagnosed by an orthopaedic shoulder expert.
Torn Shoulder Ligament Treatment
Treatment for your torn shoulder ligament will depend on the severity of the tear. Shoulder ligament injuries are classified in the following grades:
Grade One: Extremely small or microscopic tears in the ligament
Grade Two: Incomplete or partial tear of the ligament
Grade Three: Complete tear of the ligament
At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, Dr. Sterett and his expert team will accurately and efficiently diagnose your shoulder ligament injury. This process may include:
Reviewing your medical history
A physical exam to test your shoulder's range of motion and strength
Imaging tests to identify bone or soft tissue damage
After diagnosing your condition, Dr. Sterett will work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and outcome goals. In the majority of cases, shoulder ligament tears can be treated nonsurgically. Conservative treatment methods involve:
Rest
Ice
Anti-inflammatory medication
Immobilizing the shoulder with a sling
Physical therapy
PRP injections
If conservative treatments have no impact or the tear is severe, Dr. Sterett may recommend a shoulder arthroscopy to repair the torn shoulder ligament. Recovering from a mild or moderate shoulder ligament injury could take anywhere from two to eight weeks. Tears that require surgical intervention could take several months to health, especially if the patient is an athlete who participates in contact sports.
Shoulder Ligament Tear? Contact Team Sterett: Vail’s Top Shoulder Surgeon!
Contact Team Sterett today if you are experiencing shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with a shoulder ligament tear! Known as Vail’s best shoulder surgeon, Dr. Sterett is one of the few orthopaedic physicians with an added qualification in sports medicine. Treating Olympians and local residents alike, Dr. Sterett will work with you to get you back to doing the activities you love.
Schedule your appointment by calling (970) 476-7220 or submit a request using Dr. Sterett’s online contact form.
