What is Shoulder Dislocation?
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket (glenoid). This injury often happens during a traumatic event, such as a fall or a sports-related collision. Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include intense pain, swelling, and an obvious deformity of the shoulder joint.
Immediate treatment for a shoulder dislocation involves reducing the dislocation, which is often done in a hospital emergency room. After the shoulder is back in place, the arm is usually immobilized in a sling or brace for a period of time to allow the soft tissues to heal. Pain management and rehabilitation are crucial aspects of recovery.
Physical Therapy for Shoulder Dislocation
Physical therapy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process after a shoulder dislocation. The goals of physical therapy are to reduce pain and swelling, restore range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint to improve stability. Therapy typically starts with gentle exercises and progresses to more challenging activities as the shoulder heals.
It's important for individuals recovering from a shoulder dislocation to follow their physical therapist's recommendations and exercises carefully to prevent future dislocations and regain full function of the shoulder. In some cases, especially if there are recurrent dislocations or significant structural damage, surgery may be required to repair the shoulder joint.