Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocated shoulder is more than just a painful experience; it can significantly impact your mobility and daily activities. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options is essential for anyone experiencing this injury. For those affected, it’s essential to learn more about dislocated shoulders, including what to expect during recovery and the benefits of dislocated shoulder physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility.

What is a Dislocated Shoulder?

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is forced out of the shoulder socket (glenoid). This painful injury can happen due to trauma, falls, or excessive force applied to the joint. Dislocations can be partial (subluxation) or complete and may cause damage to surrounding tissues, ligaments, and nerves.

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What Causes a Dislocated Shoulder?

Common causes of shoulder dislocations include:

Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, rugby, or hockey
Falls: Especially on an outstretched arm
Motor vehicle accidents
Seizures or Electric Shocks: Causing violent muscle contractions
Repetitive Strain: In some cases, repetitive overhead motions can lead to instability
Genetic Factors: Some people have naturally loose joints, increasing dislocation risk

Treatment Options

Common Dislocated Shoulder Symptoms

Dislocated shoulder symptoms include:

Severe Pain: The shoulder joint will be extremely painful, especially when attempting to move the arm.
Visible Deformity: The shoulder may look visibly out of place or drooped, with a noticeable bulge under the skin.
Limited Mobility: Difficulty or inability to move the arm or shoulder due to pain and instability.
Swelling and Bruising: Swelling around the shoulder joint and bruising may develop shortly after the injury.

Numbness or Tingling: Nerve damage may cause a tingling sensation or numbness down the arm or in the fingers.

Shoulder Dislocation FAQ

Shoulder dislocations can be painful and disruptive, requiring timely and effective treatment. In this FAQ section, we address common questions about shoulder dislocation treatment options. From immediate care, such as reduction and immobilization, to the long-term benefits of physical therapy and potential surgical interventions, we provide comprehensive answers to help you understand the recovery process and what to expect as you heal.

What are shoulder dislocation treatment options?

Shoulder dislocation treatment options include:

Reduction (Repositioning): A medical professional will manually place the dislocated bone back into its proper position. This procedure, known as a closed reduction, typically provides immediate relief from pain.
Immobilization: After reduction, the shoulder may be immobilized using a sling for several weeks to allow healing.
Physical Therapy: Once immobilization is complete, physical therapy is essential to regain range of motion, strengthen the shoulder, and prevent future dislocations.
Surgery: In cases where the dislocation results in significant damage to ligaments or tissues, surgery may be necessary to repair the joint and improve stability.

What is the recovery time for a dislocated shoulder?

Recovery time for a dislocated shoulder depends on the severity of the injury:

Mild Dislocations: Recovery time typically ranges from 2-4 weeks if the dislocation is mild and there is no significant damage to surrounding tissues.
Moderate to Severe Dislocations: More severe dislocations, especially those requiring surgery or with accompanying ligament damage, may take 3-6 months to fully heal.
Rehabilitation: Physical therapy can help speed recovery, restore mobility, and strengthen the shoulder to prevent future dislocations.

What are the benefits of physical therapy for a dislocated shoulder?

Physical therapy offers numerous benefits for dislocated shoulder recovery:

Pain Management: Techniques to reduce pain and inflammation
Improved Range of Motion: Exercises to gradually increase shoulder mobility
Strengthening: Targeted exercises to rebuild muscle strength around the joint
Stability Improvement: Exercises to enhance joint stability and prevent future dislocations
Proper Technique: Learning correct movement patterns to avoid re-injury
Faster Return to Activities: Guided progression to safely resume normal activities
Prevention Strategies: Education on how to prevent future dislocations
Customized Treatment: Tailored approach based on individual needs and goals

What are exercise examples in physical therapy for a dislocated shoulder?

Common exercises in physical therapy for a dislocated shoulder include:

Pendulum Exercises: Gentle circular motions to improve mobility
Isometric Exercises: Contracting muscles without joint movement to build strength
Resistance Band Exercises: For progressive strengthening of rotator cuff muscles
Wall Crawls: To improve range of motion
Scapular Stabilization Exercises: To improve shoulder blade control
Proprioception Drills: To enhance joint position sense and stability
Functional Exercises: Mimicking daily activities to ensure safe return to normal tasks
Stretching Exercises: To improve flexibility and prevent stiffness

Physical Therapy for Dislocated Shoulder at ATI

Don’t let a dislocated shoulder hold you back from the activities you love. Take the first step towards a full recovery with ATI Physical Therapy. Whether you’re an athlete looking to return to your sport or simply want to regain comfort in daily activities, we’re here to help. Contact ATI Physical Therapy today to schedule your initial assessment and start your journey to optimal shoulder health.

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