Introduction
Many doctors' offices are not equipped to care for a shoulder dislocation. You may want to call your doctor or healthcare provider's office to seek advice in this regard and ask which hospital is best for treatment.
If you strongly suspect you or someone you know has a shoulder dislocation, seek emergency care. Waiting several hours before seeking treatment could result in unnecessary suffering and further damage to tendons, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
Self-Care at Home
- If a sling is not available, rig one by tying a long piece of cloth in a circle (a bed sheet or towel may do nicely).
- A pillow placed between the arm and body may also help support the injured shoulder.
- Because an empty stomach is best during treatment, the patient should not eat more than ice chips before being examined by a doctor.
Follow-up
The patient should an orthopedic doctor for a follow-up examination within a few days. Pain relieving
medications may be modified and the joint examined to see that relocation has been maintained. The doctor may reexamine for injury to structures damaged by the original trauma.
After a period of immobilization (usually a few weeks), slowly and gradually begin to increase the range of motion at the shoulder joint. This helps to preserve natural movement and lessen the risk of recurrent dislocation. When good progress is made with range of motion, strengthening exercises may be added to help the patient return to full function.
Outlook
Good follow-up care is basic in preventing dislocation again and healing damaged tissues. Even with the best care, however, dislocation can reoccur. About 90% of people who experience shoulder dislocations when younger than 20 years of age go on to experience a second dislocation. After age 40, 14% have a second dislocation. If a dislocation occurs a second time in the same shoulder, especially with less trauma, the patient should be evaluated for the possibility of ligament damage in their shoulder. If this is the case, the patient may need surgery to prevent recurrent shoulder dislocations.