Shoulder Dislocation
What is a shoulder dislocation?
A dislocation occurs when something forces the bones within the shoulder joint out of place, causing the ball and socket connection to be separated, damaging the tissue around the shoulder joint.
Symptoms
- Extreme pain
- Weakness
- Inability to move arm/shoulder
- Shoulder being visibly out of place
- Swelling
- bruising/discoloration
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness within the arm, hand, or fingers
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention immediately if you believe your shoulder appears to be dislocated
Prevention
- Wear properly fitted shoulder pads with adequate padding that supports the joint
- Be sure to strengthen the muscles surrounding your shoulder and stretch before/after games and practices
- Posterior shoulder stretch
- Finger wall climb (front and side)
- Resisted rows
- External rotation
- Shoulder blade squeeze
Recovery
- Never try to "pop" your shoulder back into place on your own; a medical professional should be the only one to touch/move it
- Do not attempt to continue playing once pain begins
- Do not try to move your arm once you suspect a shoulder dislocation
- NSAIDs and ice can be used to reduce swelling and pain
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459125/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dislocated-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20371715
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17746-dislocated-shoulder
- https://rothmanortho.com/stories/blog/shoulder-injuries
- https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.rotator-cuff-exercises.ad1509
- https://sportsrehab.ucsf.edu/sites/sportsrehab.ucsf.edu/files/Scapular%20Stabilization%20Protocol.pdf