 |
Dislocated Shoulder
Treatment Options
Prevention
Sports
medicine information on dislocated shoulder
Treatment
at UPMC
Do not try to force
the bones back into place. Seek medical care immediately. Delaying treatment
increases the chance of permanent damage to the shoulder joint. Treatment
includes:
- closed reduction
The doctor will move the head of the humerus back into the shoulder
joint socket. You may be given pain medication before the procedure
begins.
- immobilization
After the reduction, you will need to wear a sling or a device called
a shoulder immobilizer to keep the shoulder from moving. The shoulder
is generally immobilized for three weeks, and full recovery takes
several months.
- rest
It is important to rest your shoulder and not put any strain on the
joint area.
- ice
Apply ice or a cold pack to your shoulder for 15-20 minutes, four
times a day for several days. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly
to your skin.
- rehabilitation
exercises
Begin exercises to restore strength and range of motion in your shoulder
as recommended by your health care professional.
- surgery
Surgery is rarely needed for a first time dislocation. It may be needed
for a shoulder that dislocates repeatedly.
Prevention
To help prevent a shoulder dislocation:
- Do exercises
to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder.
- Wear proper safety
equipment and padding for protection in sports.
Treatment at UPMC
This condition is typically treated by experts specializing in:
Call UPMC at 800-533-UPMC
(8762) to find a doctor and schedule an appointment.
|
