In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about dislocated shoulders and the most effective ways to treat them, including an advanced treatment called prolotherapy.
Overview
The shoulder joint is a synovial joint made up of the humerus, scapula, and clavicle. It is the body’s most mobile joint, allowing movement in many directions but also making it prone to dislocation. A dislocated shoulder occurs when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced out of the socket. This can be partial (subluxation) or complete, both causing pain and instability. Repeated dislocations can lead to chronic shoulder weakness and instability.
Types of Dislocated Shoulder
Non-traumatic Dislocation
Occurs during everyday activities (e.g., rolling onto the shoulder in bed or reaching for something high). People with genetically loose ligaments are more prone. Regular exercise can help strengthen ligaments and prevent future injuries.1
Traumatic Dislocated Shoulder
Caused by physical trauma or a strong force, often resulting in sudden, severe pain and swelling. May be associated with bone fractures and often requires rehabilitation or surgery.
Positional Non-traumatic Dislocations
Previous shoulder injuries can cause muscles to operate abnormally, making the shoulder prone to re-dislocation. Physical therapy or surgery may be needed if the condition worsens.
Causes of Dislocated Shoulder
- Impact Injuries: Hard blows to the shoulder (e.g., altercations, car accidents) can force the joint out of place.2
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports (football, rugby, hockey, gymnastics) and overuse can cause dislocations. Proper conditioning and warm-up routines are crucial for prevention.
- Falls: Falling from a height or onto a hard surface, or trying to break a fall with your hand, can dislocate the shoulder.
- Repetitive Stress Injury: Work-related activities (lifting, digging) or overtraining in sports can cause microtears in ligaments, leading to instability.
- Loose Ligaments: Genetic conditions (multidirectional instability) or previous injuries can loosen connective tissue, making the joint unstable.3
Signs and Symptoms
- Arm appears out of place or dislocated
- Severe pain, especially with movement
- Reduced range of motion
- Clicking sound when moving the shoulder
- Bruising and swelling (bluish discoloration from ruptured blood vessels)
- Muscle spasms around the joint
- Radiating pain to the chest or hand
- Systemic symptoms: nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness, or fainting (vasovagal syncope)5
Anterior dislocation may cause the arm to hang slightly away from the body.4
Care and Treatment
Diagnosis is confirmed by physical exam and imaging (X-ray). The doctor will perform a closed reduction (manually repositioning the joint), often using a numbing agent. A sling or splint is worn for at least a week. Pain and muscle spasms can be managed with NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin).6
After initial healing, physical therapy is essential to restore mobility and strengthen the shoulder, reducing the risk of future dislocations. If conservative therapy fails, surgery may be required. Post-surgery, a structured rehabilitation program and proper diet are crucial for recovery.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat a dislocated shoulder.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to repair the damage and help a dislocated shoulder.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of a dislocated shoulder, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Conclusion
Shoulder dislocation is a common and painful injury that can often be treated without surgery. Younger and more active individuals are at higher risk for re-dislocation and chronic instability. A qualified musculoskeletal care professional or orthopedic surgeon can help determine the best treatment plan for your injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my shoulder is dislocated?
Common signs include visible deformity, severe pain, inability to move the shoulder, swelling, and bruising. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a dislocation.
Can a dislocated shoulder heal without surgery?
Most first-time dislocations can be treated with closed reduction, immobilization, and physical therapy. Surgery is reserved for recurrent or severe cases.
How long does it take to recover from a dislocated shoulder?
Recovery time varies, but most people regain function within 6–12 weeks. Full recovery may take longer if surgery is required.
Is prolotherapy safe and effective for a dislocated shoulder?
Prolotherapy is considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner and has shown benefits for pain relief and tissue regeneration.
How can I prevent future shoulder dislocations?
Strengthen shoulder muscles, follow a rehabilitation program, avoid high-risk activities, and consult a specialist for personalized advice.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let a dislocated shoulder control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating a dislocated shoulder, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with a dislocated shoulder and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
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References
- Brown, R. J. (1984). Bilateral dislocation of the shoulders. Injury, 15(4), 267–273. https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-1383(84)90012-3
- Cope, Thane, et al. “THE IMPACT of LUMBOPELVIC CONTROL on OVERHEAD PERFORMANCE and SHOULDER INJURY in OVERHEAD ATHLETES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, vol. 14, no. 4, 1 July 2019, pp. 500–513, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6670064/. Accessed 18 Apr. 2022.
- Cordasco, F A. “Understanding Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder.” Journal of Athletic Training, vol. 35, no. 3, 2000, pp. 278–85, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1323390/. Accessed 26 June 2022.
- McLAUGHLIN, Harrison L., and Donald I. MacLELLAN. “RECURRENT ANTERIOR DISLOCATION of the SHOULDER II. A COMPARATIVE STUDY.” Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, vol. 7, no. 2, 1 Mar. 1967, pp. 191–201, journals.lww.com/jtrauma/Citation/1967/03000/RECURRENT_ANTERIOR_DISLOCATION_OF_THE_SHOULDER_II_.2.aspx. Accessed 26 June 2022.
- Alboni, Paolo, et al. “Is Vasovagal Syncope a Disease?” EP Europace, vol. 9, no. 2, 1 Feb. 2007, pp. 83–87, academic.oup.com/europace/article/9/2/83/516395, 10.1093/europace/eul179. Accessed 17 Feb. 2021.
- Alkaduhimi, H., et al. “A Systematic and Technical Guide on How to Reduce a Shoulder Dislocation.” Turkish Journal of Emergency Medicine, vol. 16, no. 4, Dec. 2016, pp. 155–168, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5154590/, 10.1016/j.tjem.2016.09.008.