How to Talk to Your Doctor About Your SIRVA Shoulder Pain
We all expect a sore arm after your flu shot—but not severe pain that lasts for weeks or months. If you’re dealing with severe ongoing shoulder pain, loss of motion, or weakness after a vaccination, you may be suffering from SIRVA, or Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration.
This condition can happen when a vaccine is injected too high or too deep into the shoulder, injuring the underlying tendons, ligaments, or bursa.
At Pearsall Law Firm, P.C., we help clients across the country who have developed shoulder injuries after vaccination. Here’s what you need to know about SIRVA, what to expect when you see your doctor, and how you may qualify for federal compensation through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
SIRVA typically begins within 48 hours of receiving a shot. The pain can radiate through the upper arm and make simple daily activities—like fastening a seatbelt, lifting groceries, or reaching overhead—difficult or impossible. Over time, patients may lose range of motion, experience constant aching or burning pain, and even develop conditions like frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, bursitis, or tendinitis.
If you believe your shoulder pain began after a vaccine, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Your physician will document your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and may order an MRI to identify inflammation or structural damage.
In some cases, you may be referred to an orthopedic specialist. Even if your doctor has never heard of SIRVA, medical records showing shoulder pain that began shortly after vaccination are often enough to establish your case under the VICP.
Treatment usually begins conservatively, with rest, over-the-counter pain medication, and physical therapy to restore strength and movement. If pain and inflammation persist, your doctor may recommend steroid injections or even surgery . With early intervention, many patients experience significant improvement over time, though recovery can take months.
If you’ve had chronic shoulder pain for more than six months after a covered vaccination, you may be entitled to compensation through the VICP. This federal program was created to help people injured by vaccines—without the need to sue a doctor or manufacturer directly. The VICP can cover:
Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering up to $250,000
The cost of ongoing care
Best of all, the program pays your attorney’s fees separately. So, while it would cost thousands in filing fees and expert witnesses to pursue a claim on your own, it costs you nothing if you pursue your claim through an attorney instead.
At Pearsall Law Firm, P.C., we understand how life-changing a vaccine injury can be. Our dedicated team has experience guiding clients through the VICP process and fighting for the compensation they deserve.
If you or someone you love developed shoulder pain after a vaccination, we’re here to help you recover physically and financially. Click the “Contact Us Now” button at the top of the page to schedule your free consultation today. Let us help you get the answers—and the compensation—you deserve.