Shoulder Injury from Auto Accident

In this video, Dr. Jay Heintz of League City Chiropractic Clinic discusses shoulder injuries that commonly occur during motor vehicle collisions or auto accidents.

During auto accidents, it is not uncommon for a patient to hit the dash or the steering wheel.  Often times patients use their hand to brace themselves on impact.  The compression that occurs in the hand is transferred up to the shoulder, creating a shoulder injury.  That stress can cause micro-tears to the muscles (strains) and ligaments (sprains) of in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus.  These tears can vary from complete (Grade III) to less than 25% (Grade I).  They can cause swelling, inflammation, and lead to bursitis, pain, and eventually cause neck pain and headaches.  Typical treatment for these tears (shoulder Injuries) includes the use of muscle stimulation or ultrasound to decrease the pain and increase the circulation to that area.  After that, a form of myofascial release is often used to break up the scar tissue that has formed.  Common forms of myofascial release including instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), active release technique (ART), Graston technique, and Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation (FAKTR) technique.

Once the patient begins to respond and has decreased shoulder injury pain they enter the active care phase of treatment.  During the active phase exercises are given to strengthen the shoulder and to prevent reinjures.  If the patient does not respond (the shoulder injury still hurts), it is common to order a MRI, and depending upon the results, the case can be co-managed with an orthopedic surgeon.

For more information on Dr. Heintz, please call 281-557-6882 or click here to view his profile.

Houston Injury Solutions Network
1216 East Main Street, Suite A
League City TX 77573
Phone: 281-557-6882