Shoulder injuries commonly involve throwing athletes or individuals that utilize continuous overhead motion. Sports such as baseball, tennis, volleyball,swimming and weightlifting are but a few examples. The shoulder is capable of many motions these include: flexion, extension, ab/adduction, internal rotation/external rotation and horizontal ab/adduction. Unfortunately, with these many movements there is a trade off for stability which leaves the shoulder joint more susceptible to injury.

Strain or Sprain?

A strain is damage to the muscle or tendon (the tissue that connects muscle to bone).

A sprain is an injury that occurs to the joint or ligament (connects bone to bone)

Principles of P.R.I.C.E. 

P.   Prevention or prehab involving flexibility and strengthening pertaining to your activity

R.   Rest- Pull out of practice, game or training until the pain subsides

I.C.  Ice & Compression - Our specialty at ActiveWrap . Apply an activewrap to reduce inflammation and swelling 

E.    Elevation- (Most injuries lower than the heart limit swelling by using gravity to drain fluid. (N/A for the shoulder as           most injuries are held in a sling position

Hot and Cold Therapy 

ActiveWrap ice compress wraps can be applied immediately after an injury for up to 72 hours to help discomfort and swelling reduction.

The use of heat should not be used early on as this will cause blood to pool in the affected area resulting in more swelling.