Shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone or the humerus comes out of the shoulder socket. It mostly results from a traumatic fall or a sports injury.

Shoulders are the most mobile joints in the body with a wide range of motion, making it prone to dislocation when impacted often. Dislocated shoulder symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving the shoulder.

Diagnosing Shoulder Dislocations

If you suspect a dislocated shoulder, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. A physical examination and imaging tests are typically enough to diagnose shoulder dislocation.

Through an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the doctor can identify the severity of the dislocation and check for further injuries such as fractures, ligament injuries, and nerve damage.

Urgent Care for Shoulder Dislocations

Immediate medical attention is critical in case of a shoulder dislocation. The longer you delay treatment, the higher the risk of further damage to the shoulder joint, resulting in chronic pain, instability, and restricted movement.

Here are some of the urgent care treatments for shoulder dislocation:.

1. Reduction or Setting the Dislocated Shoulder

The first step towards shoulder dislocation treatment is resetting the bone. A doctor or a trained healthcare professional will perform the procedure, which involves the following steps:.

The healthcare provider will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area.
Your shoulder will be immobilized to limit any further movements.
The doctor will apply traction and gentle pressure to relocate the dislocated shoulder joint back to its original position.
Once the bone is set, the doctor will recommend further imaging studies to confirm the position of the bone in the socket.
The doctor may also recommend immobilization through a sling or brace for at least a few weeks to aid in the healing process.

2. Pain Management

Shoulder dislocation results in severe pain. In such cases, the doctor will prescribe pain medication, either orally or through injections, to help alleviate the pain.

Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Acetaminophen are over-the-counter medications that can provide temporary pain relief. In severe cases, opioids may be prescribed, but they carry a higher risk of addiction and other side effects.

3. Rehabilitation Exercises

After a shoulder dislocation, rehabilitation exercises are crucial to restoring the shoulder’s range of motion and strength.

A physiotherapist or a rehabilitation specialist will recommend physical exercises that will target the shoulder muscles, prevent further injuries, and repair tissue damage. These exercises will start gently and gradually increase in intensity as the shoulder heals.

4. Surgery

In some cases, shoulder dislocations may require surgery, especially for athletes or individuals with recurrent dislocations. The surgery will help repair damaged ligaments and tissues, thus preventing future dislocations.

The surgery involves a more extended recovery time, and rehabilitation may take six months or more.

Preventing Future Shoulder Dislocations

Shoulder dislocation can be a severe injury that can impact your mobility and daily life considerably. However, there are ways to prevent dislocations from occurring:.