Dislocated Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

A dislocated shoulder is one of the medical issues that can be quite annoying. The condition appears when some of the bones in the shoulder are knocked out of their usual place. In the USA, around 2.4% of people deal with this form of injury yearly.

Although those percentages are significant, we still do believe that people deserve to learn more about causes, symptoms and treatments of a dislocated shoulder. So, let’s start with the analysis one by one!

Two Types of Dislocated Shoulders

Immediately at the beginning, it is worth mentioning that there are two types of dislocated shoulder, and they are:

• Subluxation: This is a medical term that doctors use to describe a partial dislocation. In these cases, the joints are pulled apart, but the bones still touch.
• Luxation: The term defines the scenario where the bones in the joint are entirely separated and pushed out of their usual place. Logically, such a condition requires urgent treatment.

How to Recognize a Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocated shoulder usually starts in the form of subluxation if we exclude the eventual more serious injuries that could occur. People usually neglect the first symptoms, but when the full dislocation happens, here are the common symptoms most people experience:

• Extreme pain (painkillers usually do not help)
• Complete or partial inability to move the arm
• In some cases, the shoulder becomes visibly out of place
• Muscle spasms, and
• Swelling.

Common Causes of Shoulder Dislocation

The reasons for shoulder dislocation can be various, but experts usually divide them into three different categories. Sports injuries, which also include those experienced in the gym while exercising, are the main cause. Falls are the second most common cause, while the third one can be any form of accident, especially car accidents.

Based on everything we said, athletes who play contact sports are at the biggest risk of experiencing something like that. It is also common for people who are usually physically active, which covers the group of people between the ages of 15 and 30.

How Do Doctors Diagnose a Dislocated Shoulder

The experts will primarily ask the patient to describe the symptoms to determine whether they should undergo imaging tests. If the symptoms described match the ones we previously described, there is a big chance you will get a recommendation for X-rays, MRI, CT or ultrasounds.

Treatments for Disclosed Shoulder

There are a few different treatments that can help patients resolve their issue with a dislocated shoulder, and they are:

1. Physical therapy: Physical therapy for dislocated shoulder will allow patients to regain their shoulder’s strength and ability to move. The process starts with small steps; you will primarily start exercises with slow and gentle motions. When the ligaments begin to heal, the therapist will add specific exercises that will boost the strength of the shoulder muscle even more. The treatment usually lasts for a few months, but the results are outstanding. Showing some patience will be necessary.
2. Immobilization: The injured patient must wear a sling for approximately five weeks which will keep the shoulder in the same place. However, the shoulder must not stay in the same position for a prolonged period. Because of that, light exercises are mandatory for this treatment.
3. Medications: Yes, some painkillers will be necessary to reduce the inflammation. Yet, consuming them for more than 10 days is not recommended. Talk with your doctor if you find yourself in such a situation.

Conclusion

A dislocated shoulder can be extremely painful and disruptive, affecting one’s daily activities significantly. Early recognition of symptoms and timely treatment are vital for effective recovery. Although more common among athletes and physically active individuals, anyone can experience this injury through accidents or falls.

Fortunately, several effective treatments – including immobilization, physical therapy, and medication – can restore shoulder strength, mobility, and function. Adhering closely to the treatment plan and preventive measures can help avoid further injury. If you experience symptoms of a dislocated shoulder, seek immediate medical attention to ensure a quick and full recovery.