Dr. Chung Chin Hung of the North District Hospital in Hong Kong describes 13 methods for performing a closed reduction on a dislocated shoulder---in other words, popping a dislocated joint back into place. Of these 13 methods, only one is effective for a person to do by himself, without a helper. This is called the Boss-Holzach-Matter self-reduction method, and is effective about 60 percent of the time, according to Dr. Chung.
Step 1
Sit on a floor or other hard, nonslippery surface. Bend the knee on the same side as the dislocated shoulder and clasp your fingers together around your knee. You may need to bind your wrists together if your fingers are not strong. Make sure your fingers or hands are locked tightly.
Step 2
Lean back and hyperextend your neck as far as possible. Extend your elbows and hips away from your head. Essentially, you are stretching your shoulder using your bent knee as a fixed point.
Step 3
Shrug both shoulders forward in a circular pattern, attempting to rotate the shoulder blade around and back into the joint. You will feel or hear it click back into place. If shrugging the shoulders forward does not work, shrug the shoulders backward instead.
Step 4
Completely immobilize the arm with the elbow bent and the hand up near the chest. A gauze sling will do the job nicely. The shoulder must be kept as still as possible for about three weeks, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. After a week, remove the arm from the sling several times a day and gently stretch and exercise the joint so it does not become stiff.
Step 5
Apply ice to the shoulder and surrounding areas three to four times a day for about 30 minutes each time. This helps reduce the swelling. Do not over-ice because the shoulder needs proper blood flow to heal properly.
Tips and Warnings
- Other methods that involve one or two other people variously pushing and pulling at the joint are more effective for some dislocations. Visit a doctor as soon as possible. Torn muscles, ligaments or cartilage may need to be repaired with surgery or with corticosteroids. Your shoulder will remain weak, so avoid moving it suddenly or reaching overhead. Avoid lifting heavy objects until your shoulder is completely healed.
Things You'll Need
- Strap to bind your wrists
- Gauze sling
- Ice packs
