Healing time for a capsule rupture in the shoulder

The duration of healing in the case of a capsule rupture in the shoulder can vary greatly and in most cases is in the range of a few weeks. In addition to the severity of the triggering injury, the treatment as well as age and existing limitations of the patient’s shoulder joint have a significant influence on the duration of healing. It must also be taken into account that after prolonged immobilization to allow the capsule tear to heal, it may take several weeks or months before the shoulder can be moved freely and fully loaded again. Furthermore, the healing process is different for each person. Even with the same injury pattern, the healing time of two affected persons can differ significantly.

Causes of a capsule rupture in the shoulder

The possible causes that can lead to an injury in the shoulder such as a capsule tear are many and varied. In many cases, athletes are affected. Overstretching or sudden, violent forces applied at an unfavorable angle can cause the joint components to shift against each other and thus lead to damage to the surrounding capsule.

Often a rupture of the capsule in the shoulder is accompanied by a dislocation of the arm. In most cases, the capsule tears at one or more points. A complete rupture is rather rare and occurs only in the case of severe injuries.

In addition to various sports, traffic accidents are also possible causes of a capsule tear in the shoulder. However, a rupture of the shoulder joint capsule can also be caused by a variety of other injuries, such as a fall in everyday life. A torn capsule in the shoulder is often the result of a dislocation of the shoulder. It is therefore very important that you also read the following article: Dislocated shoulder – You need to know now!

What can be the late consequences of a capsule tear in the shoulder?

If a capsule tear in the shoulder does not heal completely, discomfort and pain can persist in the long term. Restricted mobility of the arm can also be a possible late consequence. In addition, injuries such as a capsule tear increase the risk of omarthrosis (wear and tear of the shoulder joint).

Maliciously, the immobilisation of the shoulder, which is necessary for the capsule tear to heal, can lead to stiffening of the joint. For this reason, a good balance must always be struck between protection and stress in the event of an injury in order to prevent late effects as far as possible. Otherwise, pain and limited mobility can have serious consequences in terms of work capacity and everyday activities.

In addition, as a late consequence of a capsule rupture in the shoulder, there may also be an increased susceptibility to a renewed injury in the joint. Immobilization of the shoulder joint during treatment can also cause undesirable side effects, such as stiffening of the joint.The following article may also be of interest to you: Shoulder Arthrosis – What You Should Keep in MindThe rotator cuff is a complex of different muscles that extend from the shoulder blade to the upper arm and surround the shoulder joint from all sides like a cuff. The rotator cuff is necessary for stability on the one hand and for the many movements in the shoulder on the other.

In the context of an injury that leads to a rupture of the capsule, the rotator cuff may also be damaged. In most cases, individual muscle fibers rupture, resulting in pain and limited mobility of the affected arm. In rare, particularly severe cases, it can even lead to a complete rupture of a muscle.

As a result, certain movements in the arm can no longer be performed at all or only with severe restrictions or pain. The damage to the rotator cuff often heals again with temporary immobilization and physiotherapy. However, if a muscle is torn off, continuity can only be restored through surgery.

In some cases, especially with older people, surgery is still not necessary, as the loss of function can be compensated by other muscles and the long-term complaints and limitations can therefore be acceptable. Sometimes, however, a capsule tear with damage to the rotator cuff causes major discomfort despite the exhaustion of all therapeutic measures. The consequences and symptoms of rotator cuff damage are also serious. You can find these and much more under:

What can be expected in the event of a rotator cuff tear?
Rotator cuff rupture – What is behind it?