After a car crash, shoulder pain can appear suddenly—or creep in hours later. You might assume it’s just a pulled muscle, but what if the injury is more serious? Many crash victims in Seattle confuse a shoulder strain with a torn rotator cuff, leading to delayed treatment and prolonged recovery.
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain after a collision, Seattle car accident lawyer Preet Kode is here to help. Kode Law works with medical professionals to ensure clients get the right diagnosis, timely treatment, and fair compensation for all crash-related injuries. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between these two commonly confused shoulder injuries.
What Is a Shoulder Strain?
A shoulder strain occurs when the muscles or tendons that support your shoulder joint are overstretched or torn. These injuries often happen during the impact of a crash, especially if your arms were braced against the steering wheel or dashboard at the time of the collision.
Common signs of a shoulder strain include:
- Localized pain or tenderness. This typically affects the upper arm, shoulder blade, or outer edge of the shoulder.
- Limited range of motion. You may feel stiff or sore when reaching overhead, behind your back, or across your body.
- Muscle spasms or weakness. You may notice discomfort when lifting objects or performing routine activities.
- Swelling or bruising. Though not always present, some crash victims develop visible signs of soft tissue damage.
Shoulder strains are generally considered less severe than rotator cuff tears but can still be painful and disruptive. Mild cases often improve with rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy. More serious strains may require weeks of rehabilitation or, in rare cases, surgical repair.
What Is a Torn Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder and allow it to move in different directions. A torn rotator cuff occurs when one or more of these tendons tear—either partially or completely.
Common symptoms of a torn rotator cuff include:
- Deep, aching pain in the shoulder. This pain may worsen at night or when lying on the injured side.
- Pain when lifting or rotating your arm. Everyday activities like washing your hair or reaching for a seat belt can become difficult.
- Clicking or popping sounds. You might hear or feel strange sensations when moving your shoulder.
- Significant weakness. In cases of full-thickness tears, lifting even light objects may be impossible.
Unlike shoulder strains, rotator cuff tears usually require more intensive treatment. Partial tears may respond to physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or rest. However, full-thickness tears often need surgical intervention and extended rehabilitation.
How Can You Tell Which Type of Car Accident Injury You Have?
Because both injuries cause shoulder pain, it can be difficult to tell them apart without medical imaging. An X-ray may help rule out fractures, but an MRI or ultrasound is often needed to confirm a rotator cuff tear.
Here’s how you can spot red flags that suggest a more serious injury:
- Pain persists or worsens after a few days. Strains often improve with basic care, while tears typically don’t.
- You experience night pain or difficulty sleeping. This is common with rotator cuff injuries, especially complete tears.
- You can’t lift your arm above shoulder level. Significant weakness or loss of motion may indicate a tendon tear.
- You hear a “pop” during the crash or shortly after. Sudden onset with noise may suggest something more than a simple strain.
Regardless of what type of injury you think you might have, shoulder pain should always be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. Early intervention can make a major difference in your recovery timeline and ability to receive full compensation for your accident-related damages.
Why an Accurate Diagnosis Matters for Your Legal Claim
Insurance companies may try to downplay shoulder pain as a minor injury—but if you have a rotator cuff tear, the medical costs and time off work can be substantial. Getting a correct diagnosis early on is critical for both your health and your personal injury case.
Here’s how the team at Kode Law can help:
- Refer you to trusted medical providers. You’ll get the diagnostic imaging and treatment you need to support your recovery and legal claim—even if you don’t have health insurance.
- Document the true extent of your injury. We ensure your medical records clearly connect the injury to the crash, leaving no room for doubt.
- Fight for full compensation. This includes coverage for surgery, physical therapy, lost wages, and future treatment if needed.
Don’t let the insurance company minimize your pain. At Kode Law, we understand how crash-related injuries disrupt your life—and we know how to hold negligent drivers accountable.
