Shoulder Separation Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Like other problems with bones and joints, the first priority is to prevent further harm and ease the pain by immobilizing the joint and applying ice.

• Shoulder slings are perfect for immobilization.
  
  
• The application of ice helps decrease the swelling to the area. This, in turn, decreases pain and expedites recovery.
  
  
  • An effective home ice pack can be made by filling a large storage-size zip-lock bag with crushed ice. Drop the closed bag into a pillowcase and apply directly to the top of the shoulder.
    
    
  • The ice pack should be removed when the skin is completely numb or if you sense a burning or pins-and-needles feeling. After allowing the skin to rewarm for 10-15 minutes, the ice may be reapplied.
    
    
  • Ice should be used for the first 12 hours of most shoulder separations.
  
  
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) or similar medications can be given for pain and swelling.