Our shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, making it more prone to injury. With its remarkable flexibility and power, the shoulders are suited for sports activities, the smallest gestures, and subtle arm movement. Freedom of movement is compromised for stability, which makes the shoulder vulnerable to dislocation. Across the country, shoulder dislocations account for more than half of all joint dislocations treated.1
A vulnerability to shoulder instability and dislocation accompanies the incredible range of motion the shoulder provides. Partial dislocations (subluxations) occur when the humerus head is partially out of its socket. A complete dislocation occurs when it has completely slipped out of its socket. Dislocations of the shoulder, partial or total, cause pain and instability.
Three ways to categorize shoulder dislocations:
- Traumatic Dislocation: A traumatic force pulls the shoulder out of the joint. The result is usually a severe injury that will require rehabilitation and surgery.
- Positional non-traumatic dislocations: Some people can easily pull their shoulders out of joints due to their muscles' unusual range of motion. Surgical or physical therapy can correct this issue if it becomes painful.
- Atraumatic dislocation: Dislocation of this type occurs when the shoulder dislocates with little or no force, such as reaching for an item on a high shelf or shutting a car door. People with loose ligaments ("double joints") may sustain this injury repeatedly without causing pain or discomfort. Physical therapy can help correct this issue by strengthening weak muscles.
The symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include swelling, deformity, numbness, weakness, and bruising. Shoulder dislocations can damage nerves or tear ligaments. Rehabilitation is dependent on the severity of the injury. A patient's recovery may take between 3 and 12 weeks.
Your joint should not be pushed back in place by yourself. Your injured shoulder shouldn't be moved or touched by anyone who isn't a trained, professional healthcare provider. You should avoid forcing yourself to use your shoulder and keep it as still as possible.
Get your shoulder evaluated today if you are experiencing shoulder pain or repetitive dislocation so you can return to working, playing, and living normally. The experts at South Palm Orthopedic are here to help!
The physicians at South Palm Orthopedics are committed to providing the highest orthopedic care level to every patient each time. Our physicians' team provides an advanced level of care, integrating the newest cutting-edge surgical and nonsurgical techniques with proven traditional methods of treatment.