A dislocated shoulder is a condition that occurs when the head of the upper arm bone slips off the shoulder socket and becomes separated from its normal place in the shoulder socket. Shoulder dislocation is a common injury that may occur as a result of a strong sprain of the arm, a strong fall on the shoulder, or accidents in sports and intense physical activities.
Symptoms of a shoulder dislocation are obvious and include the following:
- Sharp pain in the shoulder, which can extend to the arm.
- Loss of shoulder movement and difficulty moving it.
- Swelling and bruising in the affected area.
If you suspect a shoulder dislocation, you should see a doctor to properly evaluate and diagnose the injury. In some cases, the doctor may need to perform an X-ray or MRI to determine the extent of the injury and determine appropriate treatment steps.
Shoulder dislocation may be treated by holding the shoulder in place with a cast or other temporary immobilization techniques. In severe or recurrent shoulder dislocations, surgical treatment may be necessary to resecure the bone in its normal position and strengthen the joint.
It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions and the medical treatment provided after shoulder dislocation treatment to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of recurring injuries in the future.
Shoulder dislocation treatment
Treatment of shoulder dislocation depends on the severity of the injury and the type of dislocation. In simple cases of dislocation, it may be treated by a doctor or the following first aid:
- Manual reorientation: The doctor repositions the head of the bone in its natural place in the shoulder handle. This is usually done by gently guiding the arm and applying pressure to move the bone back into place. He may use assistive medical tools or require local or general anesthesia, depending on the case.
- Temporary immobilization: After reorientation, the shoulder may be placed in a fixed position using a cast or scapula immobilization for a period of time to allow the damaged tissues to heal and strengthen the joint.
- Physical therapy: After removing the temporary immobilization, the doctor may recommend physical therapy sessions to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder and restore flexibility and normal movement of the joint.
In severe or recurrent dislocations, surgical treatment may be necessary. Surgical treatment involves reorienting the bone and stabilizing it with metal devices (internal fixation), and in some cases, the shoulder retractor may be augmented to strengthen the joint and prevent recurrent dislocation.
It is very important that you follow your doctor’s directions and medical advice after treating a shoulder dislocation to facilitate healing and reduce the risk of recurring injuries in the future.
How long is the expected recovery time after surgical treatment of a shoulder dislocation?
The duration of recovery after surgical treatment of shoulder dislocation can vary between people and depends on several factors, including the severity of the dislocation, the type of surgery performed, and the body’s response to treatment. Generally, the expected recovery time after surgical treatment of a shoulder dislocation can be as follows:
- Hospital period: Surgical treatment for a shoulder dislocation may require you to stay in the hospital for one to several days, depending on the type of operation and the complexities of the case.
- Wound healing: A surgical wound needs time to heal. Small wounds usually take a few weeks to heal, while larger wounds may take longer.
- Regaining movement: After surgery, you will need to begin a physical therapy program to regain movement in the shoulder and strengthen the muscles around it. This part of recovery usually takes a few weeks to several months, depending on your condition and your commitment to performing therapeutic exercises.
- Return to routine activity: You may need an additional period to return to daily activities and sports after surgery. It depends on the type of surgery and how far your recovery is progressing as your body adapts to the activity.
In general, a full return to routine activity and athletic performance after surgical treatment of a shoulder dislocation may take between 3 to 6 months. However, you should communicate with your medical team for precise guidance on the recovery process and return to routine activities.
How to avoid recurring shoulder dislocation
To avoid recurrence of shoulder dislocation, some preventive and precautionary measures can be taken. Here are some tips that can help you avoid a new infection:
- Strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder: The strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder plays an important role in supporting the joint and preventing dislocation. Do muscle-strengthening exercises regularly, including exercises that target the muscles surrounding the shoulder such as the cubital muscles and hamstring muscles.
- Avoid forceful movements and excessive twisting: Try to avoid forceful movements that put excessive pressure on the shoulder and increase the risk of dislocation. Excessive twisting of the shoulder should also be avoided, especially during sports or intense physical activities.
- Use prevention techniques in sports: If you play a sport that increases the risk of shoulder dislocation, such as basketball or wrestling, use appropriate prevention techniques such as wearing protective casts or using shoulder stabilization techniques to reduce the risk of injury.
- Avoid falls and severe injuries: Try to avoid strong falls on the shoulder or exposure to severe injuries that can lead to shoulder dislocation. Make sure to maintain a safe environment and avoid dangerous situations.
- Maintaining shoulder flexibility: Do stretching and flexibility exercises to maintain shoulder flexibility and prevent spasms of the surrounding muscles.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints including the shoulder.
- Get guidance from a specialist: If you are experiencing recurring shoulder dislocations or if you feel unsure of your shoulder’s stability, it is important that you consult an orthopedist or physical therapy specialist to evaluate your condition and provide appropriate guidance and treatment.
It is important that you adhere to the preventive measures and directions provided to you by the medical team to reduce the risk of recurrence. To avoid recurrence of shoulder dislocation, you can take some preventive measures and follow the following tips:
- Follow a physical therapy program: After surgical treatment for a shoulder dislocation, it is important to follow a physical therapy program to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder and increase its stability. Consult your doctor for exercises appropriate to your condition and be sure to practice them regularly.
- Strengthening the core muscles: Core muscle strength plays an important role in supporting the shoulder and reducing the risk of dislocation. Do core muscle strengthening exercises, such as core, buttocks, thighs, abdomen, and back exercises.
- Reducing activities that put high stress on the shoulder: Some activities, such as lifting heavy weights or sports that require vigorous movements, may increase the risk of dislocation. Minimize these activities or use correct techniques to reduce stress on the shoulder.
- Avoid excessive stress on the shoulder: Avoid carrying excessively heavy weights on the affected shoulder or doing activities that require extensive use of the shoulder.
- Protect the shoulder during sports: Use shoulder support straps or a dedicated belt to support the shoulder and reduce the risk of dislocation during sports.
- Avoid strong injuries: Be careful to avoid strong falls on the shoulder or strong injuries that can lead to shoulder dislocation. Maintain a safe environment and avoid dangerous situations.
- Maintaining an ideal weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the joints, including the shoulder.
- Adherence to the doctor’s instructions: Follow the doctor’s directions regarding necessary care, complementary treatment, and the appropriate timing for returning to routine activities and sports.
It is important to be careful and avoid excessive stress on the affected shoulder and to consult your doctor for guidance specific to your individual condition.
