Family DoctorOnline DoctorFamily Doctor
DiseasesInjuriesMedical TestsDrugsFruitsHome RemediesHerbal MedicinesVegetablesFirst AidVitaminsHomeopathic Remedies
Injuries

Leg Stress Fracture, Tibia
Liver Injury
Neck Dislocation
Neck Fracture
Neck Sprain
Neck Strain
Nose Injury
Pelvis Strain, Hip-Trunk
Pelvis Strain, Ischium
Perineum Contusion
Rib Dislocation
Rib Fracture
Rib Sprain
Rib Strain
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Bursitis
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Contusion
Shoulder-Blade Fracture, Acromion
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Fracture, Coracoid Process
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Fracture, Glenoid Fossa
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Fracture, Neck
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Strain
Shoulder Bursitis, Gleno-Humeral
Shoulder Bursitis, Subacromial
Shoulder Contusion
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder Sprain, Acromio-Clavicular
Shoulder Sprain, Gleno-Humeral
Shoulder Strain
Shoulder Tendinitis & Tenosynovitis
Skin Abrasion
Skin Laceration
Skin Puncture Wound
Spine Fracture, Lower Thoracic & Lumber Region
Spine Fracture, Sacrum
Spine Fracture, Tailbone
Spine Stress-Fracture, Neck or Back
Spleen Rupture
Thigh-Bone Fracture
Thigh Contusion
Thigh Hematoma
Thigh Injury, Hamstring
Thigh Strain, Quadriceps
Thigh Strain
Thumb Fracture
Thumb Sprain
Toe Dislocation
Toe Exostosis
Toe Fracture
Tooth Injury & loss
Wrist Contusion
Wrist Dislocation, Lunate
Wrist Dislocation, Radius or Ulna
Wrist Ganglion
Wrist Sprain
Wrist Strain
Wrist Tenosynovitis


Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Strain

Injury to muscles or tendons that attach to bone in the area of the scapula (shoulder blade). Muscles, tendons and bone comprise units. Units stabilize the shoulder and allows its motion. A strain occurs at a unit's weakest part. Strains are of 3 types:

  • Mild (Grade I)- Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength.
  • Moderate (Grade II)- Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. Strength is diminished. 
  • Severe (Grade III)- Rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.

Body Parts Involved

  • Tendons and muscles that attach the shoulder blade to the arm and chest wall.
  • Shoulder blade, collarbone (clavicle), upper armbone (humerus) or spinal column.
  • Soft tissue surrounding the strain, including nerves, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and lymph ,vessels.

Causes

  • Prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon units of the shoulder blade.
  • Single violent injury or force applied to the muscle-tendon unit of the shoulder blade.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Pain when moving or stretching muscles of the shoulder blade.
  • Muscle spasm in the shoulder-blade area.
  • Swelling in the shoulder-blade area.
  • Loss of strength (moderate or severe strain).
  • Crepitation ("crackling") feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with finger.
  • Calcification of the muscle or its tendon (visible with X-ray).
  • Inflammation of sheath covering the tendon.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

  • Use instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Continuing Care

  • Use ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
  • After the first 24 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
  • Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
  • Wrap the injured chest and shoulder blade with an elasticized bandage between treatments.
  • Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Medication

  • For minor discomfort, you may use:

Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Topical liniments and ointments.

  • Your doctor may prescribe:

Stronger pain relievers. Injection of a long-acting local anesthetic to reduce pain.
Injections of corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone, to reduce inflammation.

Home Diet

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Diagnostic Measures

  • Your own observation of symptoms.
  • Madical history and exam by a doctor
  • X-rays of the chest and shoulder to rule out fractures
Prevention Tips
  • Participate in a strengthening and conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
  • Warm up before practice or competition.
  • Wear proper protective equipment, such as shoulder pads, for contact sports.

Online Doctor || Contact Us || Skin Disorders || Diabetes Care || Cellulite Guide || Chemotherapy ||

Bookmark and Share

(c) Online-family-doctor.com All rights reserved

Disclaimer: Online-family-doctor.com is an information and educational purposes web site only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Do not rely upon any of the information provided on this site for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your primary health care provider about any personal health concerns. We will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information on this site.