​How to Treat at Dislocated Shoulder

The shoulder joint is an extremely mobile joint that allows your arm to move virtually in any direction at any extent. This ability however is not free from consequence. This ability leaves the shoulder vulnerable to easily slipping out of place. This is called dislocated shoulder. Dislocated shoulder is when the top arm bone “pops” out of the socket and often damages the surrounding tissues and nerves. If this type of injury occurs twice or more times in your lifetime, you could be subject to chronic instability and weakness in the upper body.

Dislocated Shoulder or Separated Shoulder?

Dislocated shoulder sometimes gets confused with another injury called “Separated Shoulder”. Separated shoulder actually has less to do with the shoulder and more to do with the collar bone that also pops out of place. The collar bone then is left floating and can push the top of the skin near the shoulder. The collar bone and shoulder are connected in several ways. This is what gives it its name. In both injuries, a full recovery is very possible.

How is a Dislocated & Separated Shoulder Similar?

Both dislocated shoulders and separated shoulders are caused by trauma, being hit, falling on the shoulder hard, or by trying to break a fall by putting your hands and arms out. Several sports are responsible for these types of injuries including volleyball, football, hockey, soccer, and rugby. Not only contact sports cause shoulder injuries, but solitary sports such as rock climbing and skiing, too, can cause dislocated and separated shoulders.

How to Treat a Dislocated Shoulder

You can self diagnose a dislocated shoulder by experiencing pain in your upper arm, especially during movement, and also usually by a “knob” that presents itself in the front or back of the joint, depending on which way it's been dislocated. With a separated shoulder you will likely experience more severe pain and in a different place, the collar bone area and anywhere it meets. An appointment with your doctor will result in a thorough exam which likely will point to one or the other exclusively, but an X-Ray will likely be ordered to rule out broken bones and any other injuries that need to be addressed for the best treatment recommendation.

Self Treatment

The good news hear is that you can likely treat your dislocation yourself at home using non-invasive methods! The bad news is that if you find yourself injured this way, you need to get to the doctor as fast as possible and have the arm put back into the socket. Your pain will increase by the moment and the maneuver will likely cause you a lot of pain at the time, but once your shoulder is back in its home, some of the initial pain should subside. The site will swell, which will also cause you pain. Here are ways to move forward with conservative treatments after your shoulder is back in its socket.

Icing your shoulder is the best way to reduce inflammation and pain. Icing your shoulder area for up to 30 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days will speed your recovery and give you peace of mind that you gave your shoulder what it needed to do its natural job. Wearing a support product like a sling will also give you a significant amount of peace of mind and prevent further injury and irritation. Keeping your arm immobile in a sling will take your mind off your injury, but also signify to those around you that you have an injury and to be careful around you. For this reason, it is wise to keep a sling on when you leave your house. Ask your doctor about the use of a sling, as doctors can be divided on the subject.

Medication

If pain is unbearable, your doctor can recommend the use of Ibuprofen or Naproxen, NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that can reduce the swelling and its associated pain. This decision, however, should not be taken lightly because of its side effects. Side effects of NSAIDS include bleeding, ulcers, heart attacks, and more. These drugs should never be taken long term or be relied upon. Only in severe cases of dislocated shoulder will you need surgery. Surgery for dislocated shoulder usually include relocated bones into alignment or tightening ligaments surrounding the joint for more stability in the future for those who experience two or more dislocation in their lifetime.

Check out Arm Slings and Shoulder Immobilizers from Freeman

How Long Will it Take to Completely Heal?

Everyone heals at a different rate, but you can expect to feel better about your injury within 3-12 weeks (3 months) using non-invasive treatments. You should schedule a follow-up with your doctor to be sure you are on the right track, healing to a shoulder as good as new. Along the way your doctor may recommend exercises or physical therapy to strengthen your body and promote healing. Don't exercise without an okay from your doctor, so you don't injure yourself long-term. Using all these recommendations, you should feel better and return to your normal activities in no time! Be sure to explore ways to prevent injury once you've recovered.