Your shoulders are flexible joints that play a huge role in your upper body movements. Your shoulder is composed of the head of the humerus (long arm bone) and glenoid cavity (the socket where the head of the humerus is anchored). According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the head of the humerus can partially or fully dislocate from the glenoid cavity of your shoulder as a result of a contact sports injury, a fall or other trauma. Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include swelling, a visible deformity, bruising and pain, states the Mayo Clinic. Go to your doctor if you dislocate your shoulder because many treatment options are available.
Closed Reduction
Your dislocated shoulder can be put back into place using the closed reduction technique. The Mayo Clinic states that your doctor will apply a gentle traction force to your shoulder while moving your arm in all ranges of motion to set your shoulder in place. This is a very painful technique and muscle relaxants, sedatives or anesthesia is required. After closed reduction therapy, your doctor will stabilize your affected shoulder and arm with a sling.
Rehabilitation Therapy
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that gentle rehabilitation exercises can help strengthen your shoulder muscles after reduction therapy. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who will help you strengthen your shoulder muscles and increase your range of motion.
Shoulder Brace
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that a shoulder brace becomes necessary when you chronically dislocate your shoulder. The brace serves to stabilize the humerus in your glenoid cavity to prevent it from dislocating.
Home Remedies
The Mayo Clinic states that simply resting your shoulder and applying cold compresses and heat 20 minutes at a time can help soothe the inflammation that results from a dislocated shoulder. You can also take over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or naproxen to decrease your pain.
Surgery
Surgery becomes an option when the closed reduction technique proves unsuccessful. Your surgeon may choose closed surgical techniques (arthroscopy or "keyhole" surgery) or open techniques to tighten the torn or stretched ligaments.
