The following signs and symptoms are associated with a shoulder separation. You usually feel pain to the top of the shoulder. Often it is most comfortable to support your affected arm with the opposite hand. Swelling, cuts, or bruises may be present on the top of the shoulder. An obvious upward pointing lump on the top of the shoulder is seen in more serious separations.
Tenderness is felt at the junction, or joint, between the collarbone and shoulder.
If nerve damage occurs, numbness or muscle weakness may be present in the shoulder or affected arm. If you have this symptom, seek immediate medical attention. HOME CARE Section 5 of 12 Like other problems with bones and joints, the first priority is to prevent further harm and ease the pain by immobilizing the joint and applying ice. Shoulder slings are perfect for immobilization. The application of ice helps decrease the swelling to the area.