According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, shoulders can become dislocated by popping out of the cup-shaped socket, or glenoid, that is part of your shoulder blade. When your shoulder is dislocated, you are likely to feel pain and unsteadiness at the site of the injury. Prompt medical treatment helps improve your chances of regaining full shoulder function quickly.
Open and Closed Reduction
Going for a closed reduction done by a doctor will be part of getting your shoulder to heal quickly. The shoulder needs to be placed back into the socket from which it has been removed. The doctor physically manipulates the bones to perform a closed reduction. If you have a lot of swelling and pain, a sedative or painkillers may be provided. You may stay on painkillers or muscle relaxants for a prolonged period as your shoulder heals. In case closed reduction does not work, a doctor may need to perform an open reduction. This involves surgical manipulation of the shoulder bones.
Healing at Home
Once home, your doctor is likely to prescribe a regimen of rest, ice and heat therapy. Lifting needs to be limited and you should not perform repetitive actions with the shoulder. Reaching overhead should be avoided as well. Icing the shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes helps relieve inflammation and pain. Heat is permitted after three days of ice application. The Mayo Clinic advises a 20-minute maximum for heat applications.
Regaining Strength
Regaining the strength in your shoulder is another part of healing a dislocated shoulder. Movement may be limited at first if your doctor decides to place the shoulder in a splint or sling. Once swelling has gone down, the splint or sling is likely to be removed. According to the Mayo Clinic, part of healing involves a rehabilitative program that helps you restore movement and strength to the shoulder joint. The program will include light muscle-toning exercises and buildup to the use of weights.
