Shoulder Sprains

A shoulder sprain is a tear in the ligament that holds your collarbone (also called clavicle) to your shoulder blade (at the acromion).  

If the ligaments that connect the collarbone to the back of the shoulder blade are completely torn or almost completely torn, the collarbone separates from the shoulder blade. This is called a shoulder separation.

Ligaments are short, tough bands of tissue that hold your bones together at a joint.

• Your ligament may be partially or completely torn

• Shoulder sprains are common, especially among people who play sports

• Your shoulder will be painful and tender

• You may need a sling or, if the injury is severe, surgery

Anatomy of a Shoulder Joint

A shoulder sprain is usually caused by falling on your shoulder or outstretched arm. It's a common injury for people who do high-speed or contact sports, such as:

• Rugby

• Football

• Skiing

• Jet-skiing

Your shoulder joint is:

• Painful

• Tender

Your doctor will do:

• X-rays

Treatment depends on how bad your shoulder sprain is.

For a mild shoulder sprain, doctors will:

• Have you wear a sling to rest your shoulder

• Have you do exercises to keep your joint working

For a severe shoulder sprain, doctors will:

• Do surgery on your shoulder