How to Treat a Dislocated Shoulder Injury by Dr. Nandan Rao
- Expert JointCare
- Apr 22, 2021
- 2 min read
A sudden fall or sudden impact to the shoulder can cause the ball of the joint to slip out easily, resulting in a painful dislocated shoulder injury.
To preserve shoulder mobility and reduce pain after a shoulder dislocation, here are some treatment options you should follow.

Sling your dislocated shoulder
After a dislocation, it is best to immobilize the injured shoulder immediately. The most effective way to prevent further injury is by placing and keeping your arm in a sling. If necessary, a temporary sling can be made from a towel or pillowcase until you receive professional medical assistance.
Go to the doctor
Although there are many tutorial videos online to follow, don't try to relocate your own shoulder; Doing so can cause further injury to the sensitive muscles and tendons that connect your arm to the shoulder joint. A medical professional will properly fix your dislocation and suggest proper care and next steps based on the severity of your injury.
Ice your shoulder
After putting the shoulder back in place, apply ice to the injured area as needed for 20 to 30 minutes every three hours for the next several days. Applying ice to the injury will help reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Take pain medication
To reduce the resulting pain and stabbing pain from your dislocation, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or other pain relievers. Take them as needed, but be careful to follow the dosage instructions for each medication and be aware of possible side effects.
Exercise your shoulder
To speed up your healing process and prevent your shoulder from locking up due to lack of use, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. Whether you are instructed to visit a physical therapy center or do stretching and strengthening exercises at home, take it easy and be aware of your pain level and limited range of motion so you don't risk re-injury.
Limit stress to your shoulder
Due to the instability of the shoulder joint, once a shoulder has been dislocated, it can easily slip again. To avoid re-injury, you may need to give up activities that could put undue stress on your injured shoulder. Repeated shoulder dislocation can result in chronic pain, restricted movement, and severe damage to joints, nerves, and tissues. If your shoulder dislocation results in a torn ligament or tendon, surgery will be recommended.
Consider surgery
If you've tried simple remedies and are still suffering from chronic pain and swelling due to a dislocated shoulder injury, the Dr. Nandan Rao can help. We would love to help remedy any discomfort resulting from a shoulder dislocation. If you have any questions about physical therapy for a dislocated shoulder or would like to discuss possible surgical options, please call us today at 0261-2607000 to schedule an appointment.
Visit - https://www.expertjointcare.com/
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