Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder dislocations tend to be a painful and inconvenient business. In general, a shoulder dislocation means that the arm bone has separated, either partially or completely from the shoulder socket. In the case of a partial shoulder dislocation, obviously the humerus is not entirely out of the scapula. The humerus (arm bone) rests in what is called the “glenoid fossa,” or the concave indentation in the scapula (shoulder bone). Partial shoulder dislocations are commonly referred to as subluxations, and they can happen to anyone. Fortunately, they aren’t uncommon and are typically very simple to treat.

Symptoms of shoulder dislocation:

The following are the most common symptoms of a dislocated shoulder. However, you may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Pain in your upper arm and shoulder, which is usually worse when you move them
• Swelling
• Numbness and weakness
• Bruising
• Deformity of your shoulder

The symptoms of a dislocated shoulder may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Causes of shoulder dislocation:

Your shoulders are the most movable joints in your body. They are also the most commonly dislocated joints. The most common causes of shoulder dislocations are:

• Sports injuries
• Accidents, including traffic accidents
• Falling on your shoulder or outstretched arm
• Seizures and electric shocks, which can cause muscle contractions that pull the arm out of place

Shoulder dislocation diagnosis:

• In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, diagnostic procedures for a dislocated shoulder usually include an X-ray.

Treatments for dislocated shoulder: The treatment for dislocated shoulder usually involves three steps:

• The first step is a closed reduction, a procedure in which your health care provider puts the ball of your upper arm back into the socket. You may first get medicine to relieve the pain and relax your shoulder muscles. Once the joint is back in place, the severe pain should end.
• The second step is wearing a sling or other device to keep your shoulder in place. You will wear it for a few days to several weeks.
• The third step is rehabilitation, once the pain and swelling have improved. You will do exercises to improve your range of motion and strengthen your muscles.

You may need surgery if you injure the tissues or nerves around the shoulder or if you get repeated dislocations.

A dislocation can make your shoulder unstable. When that happens, it takes less force to dislocate it. This means that there is a higher risk of it happening again. Your health care provider may ask you to continue doing some exercises to prevent another dislocation.

Our physio SPTRC team are leaders in exercise and sports physiotherapy. For more information on shoulder injury physio options, talk to a Spine Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre (SPTRC) physiologist from our center today. If you are after more information regarding a shoulder injury book a Appointment or call us today on 01750-375987.