Shoulder dislocations happen when the bones in your shoulder joint are pushed or knocked out of their usual places.
A joint is any place in your body where two bones meet. They’re part of your skeletal system. Your shoulder joint is where the round ball at the top of your upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the socket (glenoid) of your shoulder blade (scapula).
A shoulder dislocation is an injury that happens when the ball and socket connection between your bones is separated. It can also damage the tissue around your shoulder joint, including your:
Surgery is not required for most shoulder dislocations, but it may be necessary in some cases:
-
Other damage
If the dislocation caused other damage to your body, you may need surgery.
-
Closed reduction doesn’t work
If a closed reduction, or manual repositioning of the shoulder, doesn’t work, you may need surgery to reset the shoulder joint.
-
Previous dislocations
If you’ve dislocated your shoulder before, you may need surgery to repair or tighten the ligaments that hold your shoulder in place.
-
Severe dislocation
If the dislocation is severe and involves torn ligaments or tendons, you may need surgery.
-
Job or activity
If you need to use your shoulder a lot for work or to be safe, you may need surgery.
-
Age
If you’re younger, you may be more likely to need surgery than if you’re older.
.
What is the recovery time for a dislocated shoulder?
It usually takes a few months to recover after dislocating your shoulder. You’ll need to keep your shoulder immobilized for a few weeks and months of physical therapy after your joint has healed.
Ask your provider how long you need to wait before you resume physical activities. If you return to playing sports or working out before your shoulder has fully healed, you have an increased risk of reinjuring it — including dislocating it again.
Prevention
Can I prevent a dislocated shoulder?
You can’t always prevent a dislocated shoulder. It usually happens because of unexpected accidents and trauma.
During sports or other physical activities:
- Wear the right protective equipment.
- Don’t “play through the pain” if your shoulder hurts during or after physical activity.
- Give your body time to rest and recover after intense activity.
- Stretch and warm up before playing sports or working out.
- Cool down and stretch after physical activity.
Follow these general safety tips to reduce your risk of an injury:
- Make sure your home and workspace are free from clutter that could trip you or others.
- Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach things. Never stand on chairs, tables or countertops.
- Use a cane or walker if you have difficulty walking or have an increased risk of falls.
Contact us or book online today to get your shoulder pain back under control!
J. Press
Physiotherapist