Shoulder Dislocation Recovery Guide

Shoulder DislocationComprehensive Recovery

Shoulder dislocation is a serious injury where the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket. Learn about proper treatment and rehabilitation to prevent recurrence.

1.7%

Annual incidence rate

20-30

Peak age for first dislocation

3-6

Months typical recovery

90%

Recurrence rate in young athletes

Understanding Shoulder Dislocation

What is Shoulder Dislocation?

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced out of the shoulder socket (glenoid), often due to trauma or extreme force.

Common Causes:

Sports injuries (contact sports)
Falls on outstretched arm
Motor vehicle accidents
Seizures or electric shock

Emergency Signs

Seek immediate medical attention if:

Visible shoulder deformity
Severe pain and inability to move arm
Numbness or tingling in arm
Arm feels weak or "dead"

Types of Shoulder Dislocation

Anterior Dislocation

Most common type - shoulder dislocates forward

95% of all dislocations

Mechanism of Injury:

Arm forced backward while abducted and externally rotated

Symptoms:

Visible shoulder deformity
Severe pain
Inability to move arm
Arm held away from body

Potential Complications:

Bankart lesion
Hill-Sachs lesion
Nerve injury
Recurrent instability

Posterior Dislocation

Shoulder dislocates backward

4% of all dislocations

Mechanism of Injury:

Seizures, electric shock, or direct blow to front of shoulder

Symptoms:

Arm held in internal rotation
Inability to externally rotate
Flattened anterior shoulder
Pain with movement

Potential Complications:

Reverse Bankart lesion
Reverse Hill-Sachs lesion
Missed diagnosis
Chronic instability

Inferior Dislocation

Rare type - shoulder dislocates downward

1% of all dislocations

Mechanism of Injury:

Hyperabduction injury (arm forced overhead)

Symptoms:

Arm locked overhead
Severe pain
Visible deformity
Inability to lower arm

Potential Complications:

Nerve injury
Vascular injury
Rotator cuff tears
Fractures

Recovery Phases

Immediate Care (0-2 weeks)

Emergency treatment and initial stabilization

Goals:

Reduce dislocation safelyControl pain and swellingProtect healing tissues

Key Interventions:

Emergency medical evaluation

Closed reduction under sedation

X-rays to confirm reduction

Immobilization in sling

Ice therapy for pain and swelling

Pain medication as prescribed

Gentle pendulum exercises only

Early Recovery (2-6 weeks)

Gradual return of motion while protecting healing

Goals:

Restore pain-free range of motionPrevent stiffnessBegin strengthening

Key Interventions:

Progressive range of motion exercises

Physical therapy evaluation

Gentle stretching program

Isometric strengthening

Manual therapy techniques

Activity modification

Gradual weaning from sling

Strengthening Phase (6-12 weeks)

Rebuild strength and stability

Goals:

Restore full strengthImprove shoulder stabilityReturn to activities

Key Interventions:

Progressive resistance training

Rotator cuff strengthening

Scapular stabilization

Proprioceptive training

Sport-specific exercises

Functional movement training

Return-to-activity assessment

Rehabilitation Program

Early Range of Motion (Weeks 2-4)

Gentle exercises to restore mobility

Pendulum Exercises

Gentle passive motion in all directions

Protocol: 3 sets x 10 each direction

Frequency: 3-4 times daily

Passive Forward Flexion

Use unaffected arm to lift affected arm

Protocol: 3 sets x 10 reps

Frequency: Daily

Passive External Rotation

Gentle rotation with stick or towel

Protocol: 3 sets x 10 reps

Frequency: Daily

Cross-Body Stretch

Gentle stretch across chest

Protocol: 3 sets x 30 seconds

Frequency: Daily

Active Range of Motion (Weeks 4-8)

Progress to active movement

Active Forward Flexion

Lift arm forward actively

Protocol: 3 sets x 10-15 reps

Frequency: Daily

Active External Rotation

Rotate arm outward with elbow at side

Protocol: 3 sets x 10-15 reps

Frequency: Daily

Wall Slides

Slide arm up wall maintaining contact

Protocol: 3 sets x 10 reps

Frequency: Daily

Table Slides

Slide arm on table surface

Protocol: 3 sets x 10 reps

Frequency: Daily

Strengthening (Weeks 6-12)

Build strength and stability

Resistance Band External Rotation

Strengthen external rotators

Protocol: 3 sets x 15 reps

Frequency: Daily

Scapular Retractions

Strengthen muscles between shoulder blades

Protocol: 3 sets x 15 reps

Frequency: Daily

Prone T-Y-W

Strengthen posterior shoulder muscles

Protocol: 3 sets x 10 each position

Frequency: Daily

Push-up Progression

Progress from wall to incline to full push-ups

Protocol: 3 sets x 5-15 reps

Frequency: Daily

Prevention Strategies

Strengthen rotator cuff and shoulder muscles regularly

Maintain good shoulder flexibility

Use proper technique in sports and activities

Avoid high-risk positions if you have previous dislocations

Consider protective equipment for contact sports

Address shoulder instability early

Warm up properly before activities

Listen to your body and avoid overuse

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Suspected shoulder dislocation (visible deformity)

Numbness or tingling in arm or hand

Inability to move arm or severe weakness

Signs of nerve or blood vessel damage

Shoulder Slings

Immobilization and support products

View Products

Resistance Bands

Equipment for rehabilitation exercises

View Products

Ice Therapy

Cold therapy for pain and swelling

View Products

Ask Our Orthopedic Assistant

Get personalized recommendations based on your specific condition

Welcome to OrthoGeeks! I'm your orthopedic assistant specializing in braces, supports, and mobility aids. I can help you find the right product for your specific condition, explain treatment options, or provide recovery guidance for injuries. All recommendations are based on current medical research and orthopedic best practices. Feel free to ask about any joint, muscle, or bone-related concerns you may have.

less than a minute ago

OrthoGeeks is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com