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How often do you use your shoulders? All day and every day! You need one or both to perform innumerable tasks. And because it’s your body’s most moveable joint, it’s vulnerable to quite a few injuries. Dislocation is one of the most common. It happens when your arm’s upper bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket that’s part of the shoulder blade.
At the offices of Woodworth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our board-certified orthopedists are skilled at the diagnosis and treatment of dislocated shoulders. These specialists are experts at restoring their patients’ shoulders to full activity.
It takes a strong force, such as a sudden blow, to wrench shoulder bones out of place. Rotating your shoulder quickly and vigorously can also do the trick. That’s why it’s no big surprise that most shoulder dislocations are the results of sports mishaps, falls or other types of physical trauma.
A shoulder dislocation is visible and painful. The area will likely be immobile, bruised, swollen, numb, tingly and weak. Spasms may crop up and intensify the pain.
Yes, lots of films and TV shows have shown “manly men” who’ve slammed their dislocated shoulders back in place by smashing them against the corner of a wall. Don’t try this at home! Let a medical professional evaluate and treat it.
Your doctor may try to gently maneuver the shoulder bones back into their correct positions and then prescribe that you wear a splint or sling for a while to keep your shoulder immobile. He (or she) may also prescribe pain relievers.
When the splint or sling is ready to come off, you may need physical therapy to put your shoulder joint back into good working order. You may require surgery if your shoulder’s joints and/or ligaments aren’t strong or if, despite correct strengthening and rehab, your shoulder has been dislocated before.
The office of Woodworth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is committed to bone health and strength. We provide the highest quality of skilled and compassionate orthopedic care. For more information about our office and many services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
By Woodworth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
October 25, 2021
