A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced out of the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula). This can happen due to a fall, a blow to the shoulder, or a sudden twisting motion. Shoulder dislocations are relatively common injuries, especially in people who participate in contact sports or have jobs that involve repetitive overhead motions.

The most common cause of a shoulder dislocation is a traumatic event such as a fall or a blow to the shoulder. However, the injury can also occur as a result of a sudden twisting motion or from a congenital problem such as loose ligaments or a small shoulder blade. People who have previously dislocated their shoulder are at a higher risk of dislocating it again.

Common Symptoms of Shoulder Dislocation

Symptoms of a shoulder dislocation include severe pain, a popping or snapping sensation, and difficulty moving the arm. The arm may appear visibly out of place or deformed, and there may also be swelling and bruising around the shoulder. In some cases, the person may experience numbness or tingling in the arm or hand.

Shoulder Dislocation treatment in Delhi

Treatment for a shoulder dislocation typically begins with emergency care to reduce the dislocation and provide pain relief. This may involve manually manipulating the arm back into place, a process called reduction. After reduction, the shoulder will be immobilized with a sling or other device to keep it in place while it heals.

After the initial injury, physical therapy and rehabilitation will be necessary to restore range of motion, strength and stability in the shoulder. The physical therapy will typically focus on exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and stability of the shoulder. The goal of therapy is to reduce pain and inflammation, restore normal range of motion, and improve muscle strength.

In some cases, surgery may be required to repair or stabilize the shoulder joint. This can include procedures such as a Bankart repair, which involves reattaching torn ligaments to the shoulder blade, or a Latarjet procedure, which involves using a piece of bone from the person’s own body to create a new socket for the upper arm bone.

Recovery time for a shoulder dislocation varies depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment used. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks to a few months, but it may take up to a year for full recovery. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can help speed up the recovery process and reduce the risk of re-injury.

It’s important to note that even after recovery, people who have had a shoulder dislocation may be at a higher risk of re-injuring the shoulder. Therefore, it’s essential to continue to perform exercises to maintain strength and stability in the shoulder. Consulting with a Ortho Specialist doctor can help you to develop an appropriate exercise program to reduce the risk of re-injury.

Exercises recommended for shoulder treatment

  1. Pendulum exercises: These exercises involve gently swinging the arm in a circular motion, using the force of gravity to help improve range of motion.
  2. Isometric exercises: These exercises involve contracting the muscles without moving the joint. They can help to improve muscle strength and stability in the shoulder.
  3. Scapular stabilization exercises: These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder blade, such as the serratus anterior and the lower trapezius.
  4. Theraband exercises: Theraband exercises involve using a resistance band to perform exercises such as arm raises and external rotations. They can help to improve muscle strength and stability in the shoulder.
  5. Range-of-motion exercises: These exercises involve moving the arm through its full range of motion to help improve flexibility and range of motion in the shoulder.
  6. Strengthening exercises: These exercises can be done to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve shoulder stability.
  7. Postural exercises: These exercises can help to improve the overall alignment and stability of the shoulder and reduce the risk of re-injury.

Note that the specific exercises recommended and progression of the exercises will depend on the individual’s condition and the stage of recovery. It’s essential to consult an orthopedic specialist surgeon to ensure that the exercises are appropriate and that they’re progressing as needed.