Steve Blake suffered a grade 1 right shoulder separation running into a pick during the first half of tonight's game against Philly. Obviously, Blake is done for tonight's game.
The Blazers have not issued a timeline for Blake's return so do not jump to any conclusions based on this general information.
The injury is most commonly a result of a direct impact on the shoulder. The injury is classified according to its severity.
Grade I separation occurs when the ligaments holding the joint together (the acromio-clavicular capsule and ligaments) are bruised, but still mostly intact.
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Grade I and II separations will usually resolve with rest. An arm sling is provided for comfort. Range of motion exercises are started in a few days as soon as the pain has subsided, and strengthening exercises added in 1 or 2 weeks. Most patients can resume sports in 3 to 6 weeks.
WebMD has similar information.
Treatment of a shoulder separation depends on its severity. For a type I or II injury, you support your shoulder with a sling. You generally need the sling until the discomfort decreases (a few days to a week). Early physical therapy to strengthen your shoulder and regain range of motion is important for recovery and to prevent frozen shoulder, a condition that limits shoulder motion (adhesive capsulitis). You can return to normal exercises and activities as your pain and other symptoms go away.
I will pass along any new information as soon as it becomes available.
-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)