Shoulder dislocations occur when the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced out of its socket in the shoulder blade (glenoid). This injury is notably prevalent due to the shoulder’s high mobility, making it susceptible to dislocation through various mechanisms. This injury can be very painful and often needs medical treatment. 

Most people dislocate their shoulders due to the following reasons:

Trauma:

• Falls: Landing on an outstretched arm or directly on the shoulder can lead to dislocation.
• Contact Sports: Activities such as football, basketball, and wrestling frequently result in shoulder injuries due to physical impact.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: A hard blow to the shoulder during a collision can dislocate the joint.
• Extreme Movements:Overextension or Twisting: Extreme rotation or abduction of the arm can cause the humeral head to pop out of the socket, particularly in sports or during physical activities.

Medical Conditions:

• Seizures and Electric Shocks: These can cause muscle contractions that pull the arm out of place, often resulting in posterior dislocations.
• Hyperlaxity: Some individuals have naturally looser ligaments, which increases their risk of dislocation even without trauma.

Recurrent Dislocations: Previous dislocations can weaken the surrounding ligaments and make future dislocations more likely, leading to chronic instability of the shoulder joint.

Types of Shoulder Dislocation

• Anterior Dislocation: This is the most common type, occurring when the humerus is displaced forward and downward. It often results from falling on an outstretched arm or direct trauma to the shoulder.
• Posterior Dislocation: Less common; this occurs when the humerus is pushed backwards, often due to a direct blow or violent twisting motion.
• dislocated shoulder recovery treatment

Here’s a simple overview of how to treat a dislocated shoulder

Getting Checked

• Physical Exam: A doctor will look at your shoulder for signs of deformity, swelling, and limited movement.
• Xrays: Doctors usually take X-rays to confirm the dislocation and check for any fractures.

Repositioning the Shoulder

• Closed Reduction: This is the most common way to treat a dislocated shoulder. A trained doctor will gently push the arm back into the socket. This may be done with local anaesthesia or sedation to reduce pain.
• Open Reduction: If the joint is badly injured or there are fractures, surgery may be needed to repair the damage and reposition the joint.

After Repositioning

• Immobilization: The shoulder is often put in a sling or splint for a few weeks to help it heal and prevent another dislocation.
• Pain Relief: You might take over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Stronger pain relievers may be prescribed for more severe pain.

Rehabilitation

• Physical Therapy: After the shoulder has been immobilized, physical therapy helps restore movement and strength. A therapist will guide you through specific exercises to improve your shoulder function.
• Returning to Activities: Your doctor will advise when it is safe to go back to sports or other strenuous activities based on your recovery.

Surgery Options

If you have recurrent shoulder dislocations, surgery might be necessary. Surgery can repair torn ligaments or tighten the joint to make it more stable.

How to speed up dislocated shoulder recovery: An aftercare guide for shoulder strength?

1. Follow Medical Advice:Adhere to Treatment Plans: Make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding immobilization and rehabilitation exercises.
2. Rest and Protect the Shoulder:Give your shoulder time to heal by avoiding activities that could stress it, especially in the early stages.
3. Use Ice Therapy:Use ice packs on the shoulder for 1520 minutes several times a day. This helps reduce swelling and pain.
4. Take Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.
5. Stay Active Within Limits: Once cleared by your doctor, perform a gentle range of motion exercises to maintain mobility and prevent stiffness.
6. Engage in Physical Therapy: Work with a physical therapist who can create a tailored exercise program focused on strengthening and stabilizing your shoulder.
7. Focus on Nutrition:Eat a Balanced Diet: Include foods rich in vitamins and minerals to support healing, like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
8. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports overall health and recovery.
9. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol can slow down recovery, so it’s best to avoid them during this time.
10. Gradually Return to Activities: Once your doctor gives the green light, slowly return to normal activities and sports, ensuring you do not rush the process.

A word from Dr.Chandra Sekhar B, from Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic about speedy recovery from a dislocated shoulder 

By following the above tips and staying committed to your recovery plan, you can help speed up the healing process of a dislocated shoulder. Recovering from a dislocated shoulder can take a few weeks to several months. It requires a commitment to rehabilitation and possibly changes in activities to prevent future dislocations. Always consult with us before making significant changes to your recovery routine.

If you think you have a dislocated shoulder, seek medical help quickly for the best treatment and recovery. At Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic, we always ensure that your rehabilitation program is tailored to your individual needs by working closely with you. Please attend all the follow-ups. For more information, please visit our website https://hyderabadshoulderclinic.com/ or contact us at +91 9959588389 or shoulderandsportsclinic@gmail.com.