Shoulder Pain After Sudden Impact: When to Seek Treatment

The front of the shoulder was forcefully struck by someone?

This afternoon, a classmate playfully hit the front of my right shoulder quite hard (just once, not repeatedly).
At that moment, my right arm felt a bit weak, but it improved later, although I still have a slight soreness.
What could this be? Do I need to go to the hospital for treatment? Previously, I was also hit quite hard on both shoulders from behind (just once and both shoulders at the same time), and I felt weakness in both shoulders that lasted longer, with soreness that took about 2 to 3 days to dissipate.
Is the severity of the impact related to this? I didn't see a doctor that time either; could there be any long-term effects? Thank you!

DD, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/05/15

Dr. Chen Wayda reply Rehabilitation

Forceful slapping may cause bruising; you should see a doctor.

Reply Date: 2012/05/15

More Info

Shoulder pain following a sudden impact, such as being struck or forcefully tapped, can arise from various underlying issues, including soft tissue injuries, muscle strains, or even joint-related problems. In your case, the immediate sensation of weakness and soreness in your right arm after being struck suggests that there may be some degree of muscle strain or minor soft tissue injury.
When someone experiences a sudden impact to the shoulder, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the shoulder joint can be affected. This can lead to conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, or even minor strains of the muscles in the shoulder region. The fact that you felt some weakness immediately after the impact indicates that the muscles may have been temporarily affected, leading to a sensation of instability or weakness.

The duration of pain and discomfort you experienced after the previous incident, which lasted for 2-3 days, is not uncommon. Muscle strains and soft tissue injuries can take time to heal, and the severity of the pain can vary depending on the force of the impact. Generally, the greater the force applied to the shoulder, the more likely it is to cause significant injury. However, not all impacts result in serious injuries, and many can resolve with rest and conservative treatment.

In terms of whether you need to seek medical treatment, it largely depends on the severity of your symptoms. If the soreness persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, bruising, or significant loss of range of motion, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They may perform a physical examination and, if necessary, imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs to rule out any serious injuries such as fractures or significant soft tissue damage.

For mild cases, self-care measures can be quite effective. Here are some recommendations:
1. Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, especially heavy lifting or overhead movements.

2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every few hours can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

4. Gentle Stretching: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore range of motion and prevent stiffness.

5. Heat Therapy: After the initial swelling has gone down, applying heat can help relax and loosen tissues and stimulate blood flow to the area.

As for potential long-term effects or complications, if the injury is minor and treated appropriately, most individuals recover fully without any lasting issues. However, if there is an underlying injury that goes untreated, it could lead to chronic pain or instability in the shoulder joint over time.

In summary, while your symptoms may not warrant immediate medical attention, it is essential to monitor your condition. If you notice any worsening of symptoms or if the pain persists beyond a few days, seeking medical advice would be prudent to ensure that there are no significant injuries that require treatment.

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