The shoulder is the body’s most flexible and mobile joint, making it susceptible to dislocation—generally after a collision or hard fall. You can diagnose a shoulder dislocation yourself, and with proper treatment, the injury can heal in weeks or days. Use this guide to learn the causes and symptoms of shoulder dislocation so you can begin treatment and healing as soon as possible.
A shoulder dislocation is an injury in which the upper arm bone (humerus) is partially or entirely removed from its cup-shaped socket. When this happens, the shoulder joint becomes unstable, and it’s prone to repeat dislocations without proper care. Both partial and complete shoulder dislocations cause pain and unsteadiness in the shoulder.
Types of Shoulder Dislocation
Doctors classify dislocations depending on the direction and location of the humerus after an injury. Below are the three main shoulder dislocation types.
1. Anterior Dislocation
In an anterior dislocation, the humeral head is pushed to the front of the joint. This type of dislocation often happens during sports or after falls. This is the most common shoulder dislocation, accounting for about 95% of cases.
2. Posterior Dislocation
This type of dislocation occurs when the humeral head is displaced toward the back of the body. It is commonly caused by seizures, electric shock, and falls. Posterior shoulder dislocations account for roughly 2% to 4% of all shoulder dislocations.
3. Inferior Dislocation
When this shoulder dislocation occurs, the humerus is pushed below the joint. Inferior dislocations are caused by actions or impacts that push the arm downward and are very rare. One in every 200 shoulder dislocation cases is an inferior dislocation.
Anterior vs. Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
Anterior dislocation is by far the most common type of shoulder dislocation—it is also more severe than posterior shoulder dislocation.
An anterior dislocation often damages the axillary nerve and axillary artery. An injury to the axillary nerve weakens the deltoid muscle, making it hard for the patient to move the arm or shoulder. Other nerves that are likely to be injured include the radial nerve and the suprascapular nerve.
The effects of a posterior dislocation are not as severe. In fact, this injury may go unnoticed in elderly patients. About half of posterior shoulder dislocations go undiagnosed.
Causes of Shoulder Dislocation
Heavy force, such as a sudden blow to the shoulder, is typically required to push the humerus out of its socket. Extreme rotation of the upper arm can also pull out the joint.
Common shoulder dislocation causes include:
Traumatic injuries like car accidents, sports injuries, or falls
Repetitive strain or overuse of the arm in sports like golf, swimming, tennis, and volleyball
Loose capsular ligaments due to an injury or overuse
Multidirectional instability of the shoulder
Age-related weakening of the cartilage and ligaments supporting the shoulder
Shoulder Dislocation Risk Factors
If any of the situations below are familiar, you may be at increased risk of dislocating your shoulder. Talk to your doctor about the best prevention methods for you.
Athletes who participate in repetitive overhead sports such as tennis, baseball, volleyball, and swimming
Those who are prone to traumatic events in their daily lives, such as seizure, electrocution, or falling
Those with loose ligaments due to genetic factors
Shoulder Dislocation Symptoms
A visible deformity is one of the most obvious signs of a shoulder dislocation. (Image Reference)
Recognizing the signs of a shoulder dislocation is key to a speedy recovery. Consult your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms.
Pain in the shoulder
A visibly deformity
Swelling or bruising
Inability to move the arm or shoulder
Softness in shoulder
Loose shoulder with popping or clicking sounds
Numbness, weakness, and tingling
Shoulder Dislocation Test
Your doctor will ask questions about the injury and will perform a physical exam. X-rays are commonly used to diagnose shoulder dislocations. X-rays also detect other injuries to the shoulder.
Shoulder Dislocation Treatment
When it comes to treatment for shoulder dislocation, there are several short- and long-term remedies. Here, we discuss what to do after after a shoulder dislocation.
Visit the nearest medical center or emergency room as soon as possible.
Avoid moving your arm while you wait to see a doctor.
A trained doctor or professional will be able to rotate the arm back into place.
Do not try to pop the arm back into the socket yourself—you risk damaging the tissues and nerves around the joint.
Apply ice to the shoulder for 20 to 30 minutes every few hours.
Take anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen.
These immediate precautions will keep the injury from worsening. Ice and anti-inflammatory painkillers will reduce swelling and pain after a shoulder dislocation. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible is crucial to a full recovery.
Shoulder Dislocation Reduction
The process of putting the arm back into the socket is called shoulder dislocation reduction. There are several shoulder dislocation reduction techniques—the best option depends on the type of dislocation. Reducing a shoulder dislocation takes several minutes, and patients are sometimes given general anesthetic.
Further Treatment for Shoulder Dislocation
Once the humerus bone has been repositioned into the shoulder joint, several treatments are available. Your doctor will likely advise you to keep the arm in a sling. A shoulder dislocation sling will immobilize the shoulder to prevent recurrent shoulder dislocation.
A shoulder brace can also prevent further dislocations by providing mild to moderate support.
A shoulder brace is crucial for preventing excessive movement, which can further damage your joint. (See Product)
After initial treatment and immobilization, your doctor will suggest gentle exercises for shoulder dislocation.
Shoulder Dislocation Rehab
Your physical therapist will create a rehabilitation plan for you, which will gradually increase in intensity as your strength and mobility increase. Your therapist will monitor your progress during shoulder dislocation physical therapy to ensure you are responding well to the stretches and exercises.
Shoulder Dislocation Exercises
You may first be advised to try passive exercises to reintroduce mobility to the arm. Gentle stretching reduces stiffness in the arm and shoulder, particularly after a prolonged period using a sling. Over time, you will learn how to strengthen your shoulder after dislocation.
It is common to experience some shoulder dislocation pain and discomfort during exercises and stretching, but you should ease up in response to intense pain. Take breaks and be realistic about your expectations after a serious injury. Also remember to use a shoulder brace during exercise.
Most professionals advise waiting six weeks before performing intense exercise. Consult your doctor or physical therapist, who will tailor advice and exercises to your specific requirements.
Stretching
Shoulder dislocation stretches will form a key part of your rehabilitation. Even the simplest movements and stretches can be tricky after a dislocation, so don’t worry if even basic stretches are difficult.
A popular shoulder dislocation stretch involves a gentle shoulder roll. Start by standing comfortably with your hands on your hips. Gently roll your shoulders forward, and then backward.
Pendulum Exercises
In the early stages of recovery, pendulum exercises—less strenuous, mobility-restoring exercises—may be recommended.
Start by bending at the hips and gently leaning forward, placing your good hand on a table or desk for balance. Keep your spine straight, and allow the affected arm to hang down. Gently move the arm backward and forward like a pendulum.
Shoulder Exercises with Resistance Bands
As you progress through shoulder dislocation rehab, you can begin to utilize resistance bands. Abduction and flexion exercises involve performing careful movements against resistance.
As you become more confident, your doctor may suggest switching the resistance band to a weight or dumbbell.
Shoulder Dislocation Surgery
Those who have suffered additional injuries along with a dislocated shoulder may consider surgery. Fractures or damaged ligaments or tissues may need surgical intervention. Repairing the tissue during surgery reduces the likelihood of a future dislocation.
If you suffer from chronic shoulder dislocation, or frequent shoulder dislocation, surgery may be recommended to tighten the stretched ligaments.
Keyhole Surgery
This type of shoulder dislocation surgery is performed while you are under general anaesthetic. The surgeon will make small incisions and use a thin tube with a light and camera.
Open Surgery
Open surgery is favored when it is necessary to move the bones. After an open procedure, the shoulder looks as though it’s had arthroscopic surgery, with minimal visible scarring. Discuss any concerns with your doctor or surgeon.
Shoulder Dislocation Recovery Time
It is possible to make a full shoulder dislocation recovery in 12 to 16 weeks.
The shoulder is typically immobilized for up to 3 weeks, though your doctor may allow you to remove the sling and commence exercises after a shorter period of time. If you have surgery, your shoulder will be immobilized for a longer period.
Once you’ve reintroduced some movement, stretches, and shoulder dislocation rehab exercises, you will be on your way to recovery. However, you may not be able to use the arm fully or naturally until after 12 to 16 weeks.
Of course, we cannot always avoid accidents. However, we can take certain precautions to prevent a shoulder dislocation—especially to avoid repeated shoulder dislocations.
Prevent Falls
Older people are at risk of shoulder dislocation from falls. Our natural reaction when falling is to reach out our hands to steady ourselves, which can cause a dislocation. By working to improve balance, remaining vigilant, and keeping the home tidy and free of obstacles, we can reduce the risk of falling.
Don’t Rush Recovery
Arguably the most important precaution to avoid frequent shoulder dislocations is to heed the advice of your doctor and physical therapist. Follow your shoulder dislocation rehab program carefully, without overstretching or overdoing it.
Make sure you have fully recovered before participating in sports. And wear a shoulder brace to stabilize and protect your joint.
Build Shoulder Strength
Gentle exercise to build strength safely and gradually is an important tool in dislocation prevention. Yoga is popular for its low-impact strength and mobility benefits and is particularly beneficial for older people.
Shoulder Dislocation Recovery
Though a shoulder dislocation is a horrible injury to experience, a full recovery is perfectly possible. Pay close attention to your doctor’s advice, and be careful not to overdo your shoulder dislocation exercises, especially at first. After some time and effort, your shoulder strength and mobility will return to normal and you will once again be fighting fit.
Leave a comment