A dislocated shoulder is a painful injury that can happen to anyone. Whether it’s the result of a sports accident, a fall, or a car accident, knowing how to treat a dislocated shoulder is critical to a successful recovery. A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the socket in your shoulder blade. Since the shoulder has such a wide range of motion and a shallow socket, it’s one of the joints that gets dislocated the most. Here, we’ll go through the signs and symptoms of a dislocated shoulder, discuss how to fix a dislocated shoulder, and explore the treatment options available.
Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder
Before diving into how to treat a dislocated shoulder, it’s helpful to understand the signs and symptoms of a shoulder dislocation. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Severe shoulder pain immediately following an injury
- Visible deformity, where the shoulder may look out of place or appear “squared off” instead of round
- Inability to move the shoulder or arm because of the pain
- Swelling and bruising around the shoulder joint
- Numbness or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Muscle spasms as the body reacts to the injury
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. Proper treatment can prevent further damage to muscles, ligaments, or nerves in the area.
Types of Shoulder Dislocation
There are three main types of shoulder dislocations, and they differ because of the way the upper arm bone (humerus) moves out of the shoulder socket.
- Anterior Dislocation: This is the most common type of shoulder dislocation. It happens when the humerus slips forward and out of the socket. Anterior dislocations typically happen due to slip and falls or forceful arm movements.
- Posterior Dislocation: This type of shoulder dislocation is less common and occurs when the humerus is pushed backward out of the socket. It’s often caused by seizures or direct trauma to the front of the shoulder.
- Inferior Dislocation: This type of shoulder dislocation is rare but serious and happens when the arm is forced into an overhead position and the humerus dislocates downward.
Each type of shoulder dislocation will require immediate attention and a personalized treatment plan to avoid long-term damage or complications.
How to Fix a Dislocated Shoulder
When dealing with a shoulder dislocation, it’s important that you don’t try to pop it back into place yourself unless you are trained to do so. Trying to fix a dislocated shoulder without the right knowledge can end up making the injury worse. Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow if you think you have a shoulder dislocation:
Immobilize the Shoulder
The first step is to avoid moving the affected shoulder. This will help reduce your pain and prevent further injury. You can create a makeshift sling by using a towel or scarf to keep the arm in place while you seek medical attention.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Visit a doctor as soon as possible because timing is crucial for a shoulder dislocation. The longer the shoulder stays dislocated, the more difficult it can be to realign, which can also increase the risk of long-term complications.
Get a Diagnosis
Once you get to the doctor, they will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI. These tests can help confirm the severity of the dislocation and identify any other injuries, like fractures or ligament damage.
Putting the Shoulder Back in Place
The process of how to treat a dislocated shoulder often begins with reduction, which is the medical term for repositioning the upper arm bone back into the shoulder socket. This is typically done by a trained healthcare professional and may require muscle relaxants or sedation to ease your pain and make the process smoother. Once the shoulder is put back into place, you’ll often experience immediate relief, though some soreness afterward is common.
Longer Term Immobilization
After the shoulder is realigned, your doctor will immobilize it using a sling or brace. This allows the surrounding tissues to heal properly. The length of time you need to immobilize the area can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the dislocation and your recovery plan.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Once the initial healing phase is over, physical therapy is often essential to restore strength, flexibility, and stability to your shoulder. A dislocated shoulder can weaken the joint, making it more prone to future dislocations if you don’t rehab properly. A physical therapist can walk you through exercises that gradually increase the range of motion and rebuild muscle around the shoulder.
Treatment Options for a Dislocated Shoulder
Your doctor will recommend a personalized treatment plan that depends on the severity of your shoulder dislocation and any related injuries. Here’s a closer look at some of the potential treatment options for a dislocated shoulder:
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors can help with proper alignment of the shoulder joint and support your healing process with an all-natural, drug-free approach.
- Pain Management: Pain relief is an important part of how to treat a dislocated shoulder. A combination of over-the-counter pain medications, prescription pain relief, and localized treatments like cortisone injections may be used to manage your discomfort.
- Surgery: While rare, some people may need surgery to repair damaged tissues in the shoulder. This is most likely the case if the shoulder dislocates repeatedly or if there is severe damage to the ligaments, tendons, or bones.
Why Choose AICA Orthopedics for a Dislocated Shoulder?
When dealing with a dislocated shoulder, many people might head straight to the ER. However, for this type of injury, AICA Orthopedics in Snellville, GA, offers a specialized, comprehensive approach that is often more beneficial than traditional emergency room care. Here’s why:
Avoid the ER Wait Times
Heading to the ER can mean long wait times and rushed care. By going to AICA Orthopedics, you’ll be seen by specialists who are ready to help you right away. No need to sit in a crowded emergency room; you can receive focused care from the moment you walk in.
Comprehensive, Multi-Specialty Care
At AICA Orthopedics, you’ll have access to a full team of multi-specialty doctors, including orthopedic doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, neurologists, pain management specialists, and car accident doctors. This means you can receive immediate, personalized care for your shoulder dislocation without needing multiple referrals. Our integrated approach makes sure that you’re treated not just for the dislocated shoulder but also for any related injuries or conditions that come up.
Diagnostic Imaging On-Site
One of the key components of how to fix a dislocated shoulder is getting the most accurate diagnosis. At AICA Orthopedics, we have state-of-the-art imaging technology on-site, including MRI and CT scans, so we can provide you with a quicker diagnosis. We’ll make sure that any related injuries, including fractures or nerve damage, are caught early. With immediate access to advanced diagnostic tools, our team can create a personalized treatment plan that supports a full recovery.
Physical Therapy On-Site
Your recovery doesn’t stop after a reduction. AICA Orthopedics also offers physical therapy on-site to help you regain full strength and mobility in your shoulder. Working with a physical therapist who is part of your treatment team means you get seamless care from diagnosis through rehabilitation. Our physical therapists specialize in shoulder rehabilitation with targeted exercises and techniques to restore full function to your shoulder joint.
Expert Car Accident Care
If your dislocated shoulder is the result of a car accident, AICA Orthopedics has car accident doctors who specialize in treating accident-related injuries. These doctors understand the nuances of car accident injuries and can develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both your shoulder and any other injuries.
How to Prevent Future Shoulder Dislocations
Once you’ve successfully treated a dislocated shoulder, it’s also important that you take steps to prevent future injuries. Here are a few strategies to keep your shoulder healthy and avoid repeat dislocations:
- Strengthen your shoulder muscles with targeted exercises. Strengthening the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles can help support the joint.
- Maintain healthy posture, especially during physical activities. Good posture will help keep your shoulders in the correct position and also reduce strain on the joint.
- Avoid activities that put too much strain on your shoulders. If you participate in contact sports or high-impact activities, it’s important to use protective gear to minimize the risk of future injury.
Visit AICA Orthopedics for a Dislocated Shoulder
Dealing with a dislocated shoulder is painful and can be scary, but knowing how to treat a dislocated shoulder and understanding your options for recovery can make the process less stressful. Whether you’re dealing with a simple dislocation or a more complex injury, the team at AICA Orthopedics in Snellville, GA, is here to provide expert care. With our multi-specialty approach, advanced imaging, and comprehensive treatment services, we’re dedicated to helping you get back to your normal life as quickly as possible.
If you’ve recently experienced a shoulder dislocation, contact AICA Orthopedics today to schedule an appointment. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from diagnosis to recovery, ensuring you get the best possible care.