Shoulder Pain After an Auto Accident: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Timeline
When Every Movement Hurts: Why Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident Needs Immediate Attention
After a car accident, you might walk away feeling fine—only to notice persistent or worsening shoulder pain hours or even days later. Shoulder pain after an auto accident is more common than many realize and can indicate anything from a minor soft tissue strain to a serious injury that affects your range of motion and quality of life.
Understanding the possible causes, available treatments, and how long it might take to recover is essential for anyone dealing with an accident shoulder injury. Whether you’re in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, or Owasso, timely care makes all the difference.
5 Common Causes of Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident
Your shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body—making it especially vulnerable during collisions. Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain from a car accident include:
1. Rotator Cuff Injuries
A sudden jolt or direct impact can tear the muscles or tendons in the rotator cuff, causing stiffness, weakness, and pain.
2. Whiplash-Related Shoulder Pain
Although typically associated with neck injuries, whiplash can radiate pain into the shoulders due to muscle overcompensation or nerve impingement.
3. Dislocations and Fractures
The blunt force from a crash may dislocate the shoulder or fracture the clavicle or scapula.
4. Soft Tissue Damage
Strains, sprains, and deep bruises in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments can cause delayed shoulder pain.
5. Seat Belt Trauma
While life-saving, a seat belt can exert significant pressure on the shoulder, especially during high-impact collisions.
Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
- Persistent aching or sharp pain
- Pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
- Swelling or bruising around the shoulder joint
- Limited range of motion
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand
How Shoulder Injuries Are Diagnosed
At Tulsa Accident Care Center, our clinics in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and Owasso are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasound imaging to identify the exact cause of your shoulder pain.
Our auto accident injury specialists will perform a physical exam and may recommend further testing to rule out fractures, dislocations, or nerve damage. Accurate diagnosis is key to building an effective treatment plan.
Shoulder Pain Treatment Options After an Auto Accident
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle realignment to relieve pressure on nerves and improve
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles and improve
- Dry Needling: Reduces muscle tightness and releases trigger points that may be contributing to chronic
- Ultrasound and Electrical Stimulation Therapy: Used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Medication Management: Anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers to ease acute symptoms.
- Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT): A hands-on approach to treat musculoskeletal pain by improving circulation and function.
What’s the Recovery Timeline for Shoulder Pain After an Accident?
Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the injury:
- Mild Soft Tissue Injuries: 1–3 weeks
- Moderate Rotator Cuff Tears: 4–8 weeks with physical therapy
- Severe Injuries or Surgery: 3–6 months or longer, especially if surgery or immobilization is required
Why Tulsa Accident Care Center Is Trusted Across Oklahoma
With locations in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and Owasso, we offer one-stop accident injury care with state-of-the-art diagnostics, licensed physicians, and rehab specialists under one roof. You don’t need to bounce between providers—we streamline your care for better results.
Ready to Recover from Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident?
Don’t ignore shoulder pain—it could be a sign of something more serious. If you’re in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, or Owasso, let the team at Tulsa Accident Care Center help you get the relief and recovery you deserve. Call: +1 918-888-8080
Walk-ins welcome. Same-day appointments available.