A shoulder contusion is a mild sports injury that can occur due to a direct blow or a fall. It is a bruising of the shoulder muscle that results from ruptured small blood vessels, capillaries, and tissue underneath the skin. The muscle may be stretched, but it doesn’t tear, and you may have visible bruising just below the skin as well as deeper bruising. Symptoms of a shoulder contusion include pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising on the skin. While a shoulder contusion is uncomfortable and may temporarily make it difficult to move your arm normally, it’s an injury that typically resolves quickly.

Shoulder contusions are usually the product of a direct hit or fall on the shoulder. Any trauma inflicted with enough force upon the shoulder muscle has the potential to cause a contusion. Shoulder contusions are common in sports participants, especially in contact sports, but not necessarily only in contact sports. For example, shoulder contusions are common in basketball players with actions like driving an opponent and repeated collisions to the muscle.

While most of the time, medical treatment isn’t required for this injury, it is crucial to have the injury examined by a professional. Moderate to severe shoulder bruises are treated with a sling or shoulder immobilizer. Minor bruises can be treated without any special support. Applying a cold compress to a contusion may help minimize swelling and bruising. Seek medical attention if a contusion doesnt heal or continues to be painful.