A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone separates from the shoulder blade’s cup-shaped socket. This type of injury is both painful and serious, requiring prompt attention.
Movement After Shoulder Dislocation
Moving the arm after a shoulder dislocation is very difficult, painful, or even impossible. The bones are no longer properly aligned, which physically obstructs normal joint movement. The severe pain often triggers involuntary muscle spasms around the injured joint, further limiting any attempt at movement.
The soft tissues surrounding the shoulder, including ligaments, tendons, and sometimes even nerves and blood vessels, can be stretched or torn during the dislocation event. This damage contributes to the inability to move the arm and intensifies the pain. Attempting to force movement can be highly dangerous. This risks causing additional damage, including further tearing of ligaments, injuring nerves or blood vessels, or even fracturing bones. This can complicate treatment and prolong recovery.
Identifying a Dislocated Shoulder
A dislocated shoulder presents with several distinct signs beyond just difficulty moving the arm. Severe, sharp pain in the shoulder and upper arm is a prominent symptom. A visible deformity of the shoulder is also common, where the shoulder may appear squared-off, flattened, or have an unusual bulge.
Swelling and bruising often develop around the injured area due to internal bleeding and inflammation. Some individuals may experience numbness or tingling sensations in the arm or hand. This can signal potential involvement or compression of nerves that run through the shoulder region. Dislocated shoulders frequently result from traumatic events such as falls, direct blows to the shoulder, or sports injuries.
Immediate Steps and Precautions
If a shoulder dislocation is suspected, seeking immediate medical attention is important. Calling emergency services or going to an emergency room allows for proper diagnosis and treatment. While waiting for medical help, immobilize the injured arm to prevent any further damage. This can be achieved by using a sling or a makeshift support, keeping the arm close to the body.
Do not attempt to “pop” the shoulder back into place. Only a trained healthcare professional should perform the reduction, as improper manipulation can lead to severe complications. These complications include further tearing of soft tissues, nerve damage, or blood vessel injury. Applying an ice pack to the injured shoulder can help reduce pain and swelling in the interim. The ice pack should be wrapped in a cloth and applied for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Professional Medical Care and Rehabilitation
Once medical attention is sought, healthcare providers will diagnose a dislocated shoulder with a physical examination and confirm it with X-rays. X-rays help visualize the dislocation and check for any associated bone fractures. The primary treatment involves a procedure called closed reduction, where the doctor manually repositions the humerus back into its socket. This is performed after administering pain medication and sedatives to relax the muscles.
After the shoulder is reduced, it is immobilized with a sling for several weeks to allow the injured tissues to heal. Following this immobilization period, physical therapy becomes an important part of the recovery process. Rehabilitation exercises are designed to restore the shoulder’s strength, flexibility, and full range of motion. Consistent engagement in physical therapy helps stabilize the joint, rebuild supporting muscles, and reduces the risk of future dislocations.