Reviewed and contributions made by Dallas Reynolds PT, DPT, Cert. DN, COMT
While shoulder dislocations are commonly known, they remain relatively rare. Only around 10 per 100,000 people dislocate a shoulder per year. They are usually the result of some kind of trauma – a fall, an accident or a sports injury. If you have experienced a dislocated shoulder, it is important to get proper treatment – including physical therapy. One dislocated shoulder can lead to an increased chance of reinjury. But, with the help of the right providers, you can prevent further injury and future re-injuries and increase your shoulder’s mobility, strength and function.
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Shoulder anatomy and the dislocated shoulder
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint made up of the humerus and the scapula. The humerus is located on the end of the upper arm bone and fits into the scapula’s socket, or shoulder blade. This socket is relatively shallow, which causes the shoulder to be more susceptible to dislocation and other injuries.
When a shoulder dislocation occurs, the ball and the socket connection is broken. This separation can either be partial or complete.
- Subluxation: Otherwise known as a partial dislocation. Subluxation occurs when your bones remain in contact but the joint has been pulled apart.
- Complete dislocation (luxation): A complete dislocation happens when the bones in your joint are pushed out of place and fully separated.
Causes and symptoms
Although there are a variety of situations where force can drive your shoulder out of place, the most common reasons include a fall, a car accident or a sports injury. If your shoulder is dislocated, you may be able to visibly see the injury. In addition, you may experience:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Inability to move your arm
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Numbness
If you believe you have dislocated your shoulder, it is important to seek medical assistance right away. You should not try to force your shoulder back into place to prevent further damage. Instead, keep your arm close to your body and then go to the emergency room.
With the help of a medical professional, they will put your shoulder back into place. They will also provide instructions on next steps to avoid further complications such as bone fractures, ligament/tendon sprains, nerve damage or muscle strains.
Shoulder dislocation protocol
Your doctor will also determine whether surgery is necessary. If your injury is less complicated, then your shoulder will likely recover in 3-4 weeks. If your injury is more severe, then you will undergo what is known as Arthroscopic surgery, which is typically an outpatient procedure. Post-surgery you will likely be required to wear a sling for six weeks. A full recovery from a dislocated shoulder may take five to six months.
Whether you undergo surgery or not, physical therapy will help you regain strength, mobility and restore function in your shoulder.
Physical therapy for dislocated shoulder
Physical therapy aims to relieve pain and restore function to the injured part. In this instance, regaining mobility in the shoulder and strengthening the muscles that surround and support the joint are essential for long-term health.
Your physical therapist will work with you to determine the right course of recovery. As a part of your treatment, you are likely to encounter a variety of props such as an exercise ball, bar, resistance band or even a wall to help improve your range of motion and strength. Some of these exercises, and their brief descriptions, may include:
- Pendulum swing: Like a pendulum, this exercise will gradually increase your range of motion (ROM) by moving your injured arm in a “swinging” motion from at your sides to an overhead position.
- Increased flexion with a bar or on the wall: This exercise can be done on the wall or with a bar, such as a PVC pipe or broomstick. Holding the bar, extended out in front of you, you will slowly crawl your fingers in an upward motion. This upward motion is surprisingly simple but an effective way to gradually increase your ROM.
- Scapular retraction: Posture is an important part of shoulder health, and scapular retraction assists in building strength in the back muscles. In this exercise, you will sit upright, pull your shoulders back, hold and then release. The motion engages the trapezius, rhomboideus major and minor muscle group.
- Internal/external Rotator cuff exercises: When you begin your treatment, it is likely you will encounter the rotator cuff exercise, completing it without any kind of resistance and possibly while lying on your side. This exercise requires you hold your arm out at a 90-degree angle, with your elbow pinned to your side. You will then either move your arm inwards towards your belly or out, depending on whether you are working on internal or external rotation. As you progress through this exercise, you may use bands or even weights, to continue gradually strengthening the shoulder.
As mentioned above, these exercises are only a glimpse into what may be included in your care plan. Your PT will determine a treatment plan that is tailored specifically to you and your injury. However, whatever exercises are included in your treatment, no doubt they are to restore function so that you can return to your normal daily activities.
Find the right care for your dislocated shoulder
If you have suffered from a dislocated shoulder because of a sports injury, fall or other accident, it is important to see a doctor and a physical therapist, especially because your chances of reinjury increase. But, with the help of the right medical professionals you can regain strength and mobility in your shoulder and safeguard against further injury.
If you have dislocated your shoulder and are looking for physical therapy, visit us at any one of our 900+ clinics or online via our telehealth CONNECT™. Our trained physical therapists are ready to help you get back to your everyday routine.