Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder
There are many symptoms that accompany a dislocated shoulder.
- An out-of-place or visibly deformed shoulder
- Intense pain
- Bruising or swelling
- Inability to move the joint
- Weakness, tingling or numbness near the injury (down your arm/ near your neck)
- Spasms in the shoulder muscles when they get disrupted - this increases the intensity of the pain
Seeking Medical help for Shoulder Dislocation
If you feel that your shoulder is dislocated, you must get medical help without delay. In the meantime, keep these points in mind:
- Don't move that joint.
- Keep the shoulder joint slung or splinted in its current position.
- Don't attempt to move your shoulder.
- Don't try to push it back into place, as this can lead to damage of the shoulder joint & its surrounding ligaments, muscles, blood vessels or nerves.
- Make sure you ice the injured joint - this helps reduce the swelling and pain as it controls the internal bleeding and the build-up of fluids in & around the shoulder joint.
How to treat a Dislocated Shoulder
Closed Reduction
A doctor might use a few gentle manoeuvres to try and get your shoulder joint back into its proper position. Based on the amount of swelling and pain, you may need a sedative or relaxant or even a general anaesthetic before the doctor manipulates your shoulder bone back in place. Once this is done, the severe pain improves almost immediately.
Surgery
If your shoulder joints & ligaments are weak and you have recurring shoulder dislocations (even after proper rehab and strengthening), you might require surgery. You might need surgery if there is damage to your blood vessels or nerves in some rare cases.
Immobolisation
Your doctor may also get you to use a special sling/splint for a few days - up to 3 weeks - to prevent your shoulder from moving. The duration you wear the sling/splint will be dependent on the nature of the dislocation and how soon the sling/splint was applied post your dislocation.
Medication
Depending on the severity of pain, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant or pain reliever to ensure you are comfortable while the shoulder heals.
Rehabilitation
Once your shoulder sling/splint has been removed, you will need to start a gradual rehab program. This will help restore flexibility, strength and range of motion to your shoulder joint.
Chiropractic Treatment for Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation injuries can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and disrupt your normal life. Sports chiropractic treatment is a proven way to treat this type of injury. Well-trained chiropractors can help you at every stage of the injury - right from the initial acute stage to the late repair stage when old scar tissues can cause considerable discomfort and pain.
Sports Chiropractic Treatment can assist with:
- Reducing swelling around the injury,
- Mobilising the joint where appropriate to facilitate healing and minimise scar tissue production.
- Breaking down the scar tissue if already formed
- Strengthening the damaged parts and rebuilding and stabilising the area.
If you are suffering from a shoulder dislocation injury and need help, feel free to reach out to us or book a chiropractic session here.
