Having a dislocated shoulder is one of the most painful things that can happen to a person. A dislocated shoulder occurs when the shoulder bone pops out of the socket that holds it to the body. Generally, this type of injury will require medical attention, but if there is no doctor around to help you, it is possible to pop the shoulder back into place on your own. Be sure to go slow and be careful when performing this procedure.
Step 1
Lie down on a flat surface and relax as much as possible. The key to lessening the pain is to be as relaxed as possible.
Step 2
If you are still tense, take some deep breaths to regulate your heart rate and calm down. Don't perform this process if you are not ready.
Step 3
With the non-injured arm, slowly lift the dislocated arm out to the side of your body so that it is parallel to the floor.
Step 4
Once the arm is straight out to the side, begin to slowly rotate the hand of the injured arm behind your head. This should look like you are using that hand to scratch your back.
Step 5
When your hand is in the correct position, use it to reach for the opposite shoulder. This reaching will pull the arm forward, which will pop the arm back into the socket. You will know when this occurs because there will be an immediate relief of the pain.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure all movements are done in a slow, controlled manner. This will give the muscles time to adjust and will reduce your pain. If there are other people around, try to get them to help you. This procedure works better when there are two people involved.
- See a doctor soon after you perform this procedure as there could be other damage to the bone or muscle that you will not see immediately. A doctor can help you prevent any additional shoulder damage.
Things You'll Need
- A flat surface to lie down on.
