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  • Shoulder Dislocation
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Achilles Tendonitis
ACL Injuries
AC Joint Injury (Shoulder Separation)
Ankle Sprain
Avascular Necrosis
Bicep Tendonitis
Bone Cancer
Bone Cysts
Bone Spurs
Bone Tumor
Brachial Plexus Injuries
Bulging Discs
Bunions
Burners & Stingers
Bursitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chondrosarcoma
Chordoma
Chronic Tendon Pain
Clavicle Fracture
Colles Fracture
Concussion
Contractures
Degenerative Joint Disease
Diabetic Foot Disease
Dislocations
Dupuytren's Contracture
Elbow Sprain
Ewings Sarcoma
Femoroacetabular Impingement
Finger Injuries
Flat Feet
Foot Pain
Foot Ulcer
Fractures & Breaks
Frozen Shoulder
Giant Cell Tumor
Golfers Elbow
Hammer Toes
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Pointer
Instability
IT Band Syndrome
Jones Fracture
Labral Tear
Lisfranc Injury
Low Back Pain
Lower Body Pain
Malunion & Nonunion
MCL & LCL Injuries
Meniscus Tear
Metastatic Bone Disease
Morton's Neuroma
Neck Pain
Necrotizing Fasciitis
Nerve Compression
Numbness & Weakness
Osgood Schlatter
Osteosarcoma
Patellar Tendonitis
Patellofemoral Pain
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury
Plantar Fasciitis
PVNS
Rotator Cuff Tears
Scaphoid (Wrist) Fracture
Severs Disease
Shin Splints
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder Pain
Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Sports Hernia
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Turf Toe
Upper Body Pain
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Dislocated Shoulder

Suffering from a dislocated shoulder? Learn the signs of partial and complete dislocations and the risk factors for athletes in contact sports.

Looking For Dislocated Shoulder Care?

Related services include:

  • Orthopaedics.
  • Sports Medicine.
  • Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.

Find a Provider

On this page

  • What Causes a Dislocated Shoulder?
  • What Are the Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder?
  • How Do You Diagnose a Dislocated Shoulder?
  • How Do You Treat a Dislocated Shoulder?

What Is a Dislocated Shoulder?

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the top of the bone of your upper arm (humerus) comes out of the socket in your shoulder (scapula). This can be a partial or complete dislocation.

  • A partial shoulder dislocation means that the bone has gone back into the scapula on its own.
  • A complete shoulder dislocation means the bone has not gone back into the proper place, and requires medical attention. You should not try to force the bone back into the scapula yourself.
Image of shoulder dislocation.

What are the causes and risk factors for a dislocated shoulder?

A dislocated shoulder can result from a variety of situations that involve impact to the shoulder.

Common causes of dislocated shoulders include:

  • Any hard fall onto the shoulder.
  • Forceful hitting, lifting, or throwing.
  • A hit to an outstretched arm.

Athletes at risk of shoulder dislocations include:

  • Football players
  • Hockey players

What are the complications of a dislocated shoulder?

Without proper and thorough rehab, you risk another shoulder dislocation.

Trained physical therapists at UPMC Sports Medicine can provide rehab and help you get back in the game after a partial or complete shoulder dislocation.

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What Are the Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder?

When a shoulder dislocation occurs, the first symptom is an immediate and strong pain.

You may also have other symptoms such as:

  • Instability in shoulder.
  • Weakness in the shoulder area.
  • Inability to move the shoulder.
  • Swelling, bruising, numbness, or tingling around the shoulder, or in the arm or fingers.

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How Do You Diagnose a Dislocated Shoulder?

In the event of a partial or complete shoulder dislocation, you should consult a medical expert right away to diagnose the injury.

During the appointment, the doctor will assess your shoulder and symptoms.

He or she may order an imaging test to confirm severity of the shoulder dislocation.

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How Do You Treat a Dislocated Shoulder?

Treatment for a dislocated shoulder includes:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Rest and immobilization of the arm.
  • Ice or a cold pack for the first two days, followed by applying heat as needed after that.
  • Rare cases require surgery for repeat dislocations of the same shoulder.

To prevent re-injury, begin a regimen of strengthening pr physical therapy exercises and use the proper equipment for the sport.

Recovery time will depend on dislocated shoulder symptoms and severity of the injury.

Return to Play program

You may be a candidate for the Return to Play program if you are an athlete who has been treated for a sports injury, completed physical therapy, and is looking for additional support to help you safely and confidently reengage with your sport.

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