Shoulder Sprain

Diagnosis

Symptoms of a shoulder sprain include:

• pain, tenderness and swelling around the shoulder
• redness, warmth or bruising around the shoulder
• limited ability to move the shoulder and increased pain with movement

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your shoulder. The doctor will examine your shoulder to assess the stability of the joint and the severity of the injury.

Tests may include:

• x-rays — to make sure that no bones are broken
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan — to see the extent of damage to the soft tissues of the shoulder (rarely needed)

Shoulder sprains are graded according to their severity:

Grade1

• stretching and microtearing of ligament and capsular tissue
  

Grade 2

• partial tearing of ligament and capsular tissue
• mild instability of the joint
  

Grade 3

• severe or complete tearing of ligament and capsular tissue
• significant instability of the joint