Dislocated Shoulder Rehab FAQs

According to the Mayo Clinic, the shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint and thus lends itself to dislocation. When a shoulder is dislocated, the end of the upper arm bone, otherwise known as the ball of the humerus, pops from the shoulder socket. Though an extremely common injury, a dislocated shoulder will often fully heal – with a proper course of dislocated shoulder rehab – in a matter of months.

Dislocated shoulder rehab can be approached in a number of ways, but the most important thing to remember is that if you suspect you’ve dislocated your shoulder, you must stop your activity immediately. The sooner the dislocated shoulder rehab begins, the more successful the healing process becomes. So, make an appointment right away to see a trusted medical practitioner, who will examine the shoulder in order to decide whether the bone is dislocated. Then, the doctor or therapist will ease the bone back into its socket – a process that’s referred to as ‘reduction.’

In between your injury and your appointment, be sure to apply ice or a cold compact to the injury. Successful dislocated shoulder rehab starts here, and applying a cold compress will reduce short- and long-term swelling, easing pain and maintaining mobility. To protect your shoulder, incorporate the next component of dislocated shoulder rehab: fashion a sling to keep the arm stable, secure, and immobile. Or, consider purchasing a sling that combines compression and cold therapy: the PowerPlay Cold & Compression Shoulder Wrap, is snug, secure, and easy to use.

In the days following reduction, you’ll continue your dislocated shoulder rehab by keeping the shoulder immobilized. Meanwhile, keep your wrists and fingers moving to maximize mobility, avoid stiffness, and maintain a healthy blood flow. During this time, some sufferers take anti-inflammatory medication.

After several weeks, the exercise component of dislocated shoulder rehab begins. Pendulum exercises, in which the sufferer rocks his or her body weight back and forth, will promote a gentle, circular movement in the shoulder. Easy-to-read pendulum exercise guides, as well as short videos, are available online, and will help to facilitate your dislocated shoulder rehab.

As the weeks progress, so will your dislocated shoulder rehab: strengthening exercises will restore muscle ability and range of motion in the shoulder. As dislocated shoulder rehab continues, the sling will no longer be necessary. Instead, the ultimate goal is to bring the injured shoulder to the same level of strength and mobility as the uninjured shoulder. Those undergoing dislocated shoulder rehab are encouraged to wait for eight to ten weeks before performing shoulder-centered activities like throwing and catching.

Want to know more about dislocated shoulders? Here are some frequently asked questions:

If you’ve dislocated your shoulder once before, keep in mind that you’re now more likely to dislocate it again, and you’ll need to start the process of dislocated shoulder rehab over again.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, and thus the most prone to instability. The frequency of the injury means that reduction is extremely common, though the idea of it might sound frightening to a patient with a dislocated shoulder. Basically, the process of reduction – a critical element of dislocated shoulder rehab – involves resetting the ball of the bone back into the socket. Your healthcare provider should use slow, controlled movements to first flex the elbow, then rotate the upper-arm bone – the humerus. Once the bone is reset, you should hear a ‘clunk,’ and immediately you’ll notice that your pain is diminished.
Remember: most dislocated shoulder reductions are easy, straightforward, and quick.

The most likely demographic to suffer shoulder injuries are the young: in fact, males in their early twenties injure their shoulders the most, probably because, at that age, they can be both active and reckless. However, any athlete may be at risk, especially if he or she tends to use the shoulder or arm. Therefore, tennis players, football players, and swimmers run a higher risk of dislocating a shoulder.

Before you consult with anyone else, see your doctor. Only he/she will be able to evaluate the status of your shoulder injury and prescribe appropriate dislocated shoulder rehab techniques. Ask him/her which exercises you should start with, and whether he/she recommends a Certified Physical Therapist. The degree to which your shoulder is injured, along with your lifestyle choices, level of physical activity, and access to physical therapy and other resources, will dictate what your dislocated shoulder rehab looks like.

The US Center for Sports Medicine explains that if the shoulder and upper arm are painful – and the pain worsens with movement – the injury is likely that of a dislocated shoulder. Sufferers should look for a large bump around the shoulder – either in the front or the back – and the shoulder may look square, not round. Remember: if in doubt, commence dislocated shoulder rehab right away, with rest, ice, and compression – and call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make an appointment. Successful dislocated shoulder rehab begins with your initiative.

Proper dislocated shoulder rehab is the key to avoiding complications. However, sometimes difficulties can’t be prevented; the most common include muscle tears, nerve damage around the shoulder area, and chronic shoulder instability. The Mayo Clinic asserts that, especially for those who have repeatedly dislocated their shoulders, some level of instability is to be expected. In rare cases, surgery is a necessary component of dislocated shoulder rehab.

Think about purchasing a compression wrap, which will function like a sling while also giving you the option of cold therapy. A well-made, sturdy wrap or sling is a worthwhile investment, and will keep your shoulder protected and safe from further injury. Consider PowerPlay’s Shoulder Wrap, which combines a gel pack with a compression pump for care you can moderate yourself.

The injury is common among younger athletes, especially those who play ball sports, or who move at high speeds, like alpine skiers. However, anyone is at risk – the shoulder is highly mobile and thus highly unstable. To prevent the likelihood of a dislocated shoulder, try to avoid hard falls while playing sports. Wearing protective gear will guard the shoulder to some degree, and regular exercise will strengthen the muscles that surround and support the shoulder bones.