If you suspect you have dislocated your shoulder you should immediately attend your nearest A&E department. DO NOT TRY TO RELOCATE THE ARM YOURSELF – this can cause damage to tissues, nerves and blood vessels at the shoulder joint. Avoid moving the upper arm as much as possible. If possible, get someone to make a simple sling to hold the lower arm across the chest, the elbow should be bent at a right angle. Place something soft like a blanket or pillow between your arm and the side of your chest.
What does a dislocated shoulder look like?
It will be very painful and you will be unable to move the arm
The shoulder will look more squared than round
You might see a lump/bulge under the skin at the shoulder
How does a shoulder dislocation happen?
Common examples include falling heavily onto the arm, playing a contact sport or sports related accidents. A shoulder dislocation can happen more easily in someone with joint hypermobility. A shoulder dislocation occurs when the top of the upper arm (humeral head) pops out of it’s socket. The shoulder is one of the most frequently dislocated joints because the humeral head’s socket is very shallow. This allows for great mobility of the arm in lots of different directions, but stability is therefore sacrificed.
You will initially be assessed at A&E where you will usually have an X-Ray. If the team establishes there are no associated fractures tor tears that require further attention, your shoulder will be manipulated back into the shoulder joint (known as a reduction). Physiotherapy can be necessary and beneficial following a dislocation to rehabilitate and strengthen your shoulder to it’s previous function. Without physical therapy your shoulder will remain unstable and at a higher risk of re-injury.
Physiotherapy can help with a range of symptoms following a shoulder dislocation including:
Pain
Reduced shoulder stability
Reduced range of movement
Reduced strength
Muscle spasms
A physiotherapist can provide:
Detailed assessment of your specific needs
Manual therapy
Personalised, progressive exercise programme. Addressing mobility, strength, stability and activity/sports specific muscular retraining.
Further Information
If you have any questions about back or shoulder pain, or would like to book an appointment to see a physiotherapist, please click here to book. Book Online – Physioflexx Ayrshire
