Dr. Jason Hurst
Knee, Shoulder
Do you think you may have a dislocated shoulder? JIS Orthopedics is here to help. Give us a call today and begin your road to recovery with us!
Shoulder Dislocation Treatment
If you’re suffering from shoulder pain or a shoulder injury, learn how JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!
What Our Patients Say
“I was examined about my left shoulder that needed replaced. Very informative and told me things my local orthopedic doctor never mentioned. After discussing the limitations with a replacement, we are just going to manage my pain until I retire and become less active. Very honest and up front with me. I appreciate that.” — Donald C.
The shoulder joint has one of the largest ranges of movement out of all the joints in the body. For this reason, it is also the most likely joint to get dislocated.
If you suspect you have dislocated your shoulder, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today. Our physicians are experts in treating shoulder injuries.
We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Our orthopedic surgeons are on hand to help relocate your shoulder and help you on the road to recovery.
What Is a Dislocated Shoulder?
A dislocated shoulder is a condition where the round head of the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket on your shoulder blade. A dislocated shoulder may also cause torn or stretched ligaments, as well as injuries to your shoulder muscles. In some cases, your shoulder dislocation may be associated with bone fractures.
Shoulder dislocations can be fully dislocated or partially dislocated, known as shoulder subluxation.
Causes of a Shoulder Dislocation
Typically, a shoulder dislocation occurs with a fall or a blow to the shoulder. Many dislocated shoulders happen during contact sports.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder?
If you have had a fall or received a painful blow to your shoulder, you should check to see if you have any signs or symptoms that might indicate a dislocated shoulder. The symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include the following:
- Severe pain and/or weakness
- Swelling around the shoulder joint
- Visible bruising or redness
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty moving or complete loss of movement in your arm
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, hand, or fingers
- Visible displacement of the shoulder
If you suspect that you have dislocated your shoulder, it may be best to take the following steps:
- Keep your arm close to your body, and don’t move it.
- Don’t attempt to put the shoulder back in place by yourself, as this can damage your muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves.
- Apply an ice pack to your injured shoulder. Ice can reduce pain and swelling.
- Take NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve® or Naprosyn®), or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to relieve pain.
- Visit a doctor, go to an emergency room or call 911 for immediate treatment.
How Is a Dislocated Shoulder Diagnosed?
Your doctor will first ask you how you injured your shoulder and whether it is the first time it has occurred. This will be followed by a physical exam of your shoulder. In some cases, your doctor will know just by feeling your arm bone.
Imaging tests can also be used to see a detailed picture of your shoulder joint. At least an X-ray will be used to confirm that no broken bones have occurred.
How a Dislocated Shoulder is Treated
At JIS Orthopedics, we vary our dislocated shoulder treatment plans according to your symptoms, age, and general health.
The first step is to place the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) back into the joint socket. This process is called a closed reduction. Severe pain stops almost immediately following this step.
Your arm will then be immobilized with a sling. From there, you can begin the rehabilitation process.
You will not usually require surgery, especially if the shoulder was dislocated for the first time. However, if your shoulder is not staying in its position, surgery may be needed to repair or tighten the torn or stretched ligaments that hold the joint in place.
Recurring cases of shoulder dislocation can result in bone damage to the humerus or shoulder socket. If your surgeon identifies bone damage during the process, they may recommend a bone transfer type of surgery.
Once the pain and swelling in your shoulder decreases, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy. These physical therapy sessions will include rehabilitation exercises to help restore the shoulder’s range of motion and strengthen your shoulder muscles. Rehabilitation can also help prevent future shoulder dislocations.
Your physical therapist will first give you gentle muscle toning exercises, with the addition of weight over time.
Dislocated Shoulder Recovery
At JIS Orthopedics, we find that most people recover from shoulder dislocations within 6-8 weeks. In milder cases, the shoulder can return to normal within 2-4 weeks. Repeated checkups with your orthopedist will ensure that you are on a healthy road to recovery.
Getting Help for Your Dislocated Shoulder
If you suspect you have dislocated your shoulder, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today! Our physicians are experts in treating shoulder injuries.
We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Our orthopedic surgeons have the skills and years of experience to help you on the road to recovery. Contact us today!
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Walla
