The shoulder is the most flexible and mobile joint in the body. The shoulder can freely move in all directions and is held together by ligaments and muscles. People use their shoulders in just about every activity of the day. However, being extremely flexible also means that shoulders are more likely to be injured. Dislocation is one of the common injuries to the shoulder.
What Is Shoulder Dislocation?
A dislocated shoulder happens when the humerus gets dislodged out of the shoulder blade. The ligaments that keep muscles in place can slip or tear in the process. This injury often happens when there is a strong force or impact on the joint. Therefore, high-impact activities like heavy work and contact sports are the main causes of a dislocated shoulder. A person with a dislocated shoulder may experience pain, shoulder stiffness, numbness and swelling.
Orthopedists for a Dislocated Shoulder
Orthopedic doctors focus on bringing an individual back to their full potential. Here, the road to recovery includes both the healing process and the retraining of their physical abilities. Orthopedic doctors in Maryland go through rigorous education and training to offer the best healthcare to their patients.
Orthopedic doctors often treat athletes and active individuals. They treat dislocated shoulders in most high-contact and high-impact sports. Soccer, football and hockey involve tackling and crashing that can easily dislocate a shoulder. Skiing and gymnastics may cause an awkward fall. Repetitive shoulder movements like basketball shots and baseball pitches can wear down the shoulder ligaments over time.
Orthopedic doctors can perform diagnostic imaging and physical examinations. X-rays, MRI scans and CT scans are examples of these tests. These evaluation procedures will help determine the extent of the injury. This way, the orthopedist can give the most appropriate treatment options. The following are the most common treatment procedures for a dislocated shoulder:
Closed Reduction Of The Shoulder
The simplest solution to a dislocated shoulder is to pop it back in. In a closed reduction procedure, the head of the humerus attaches to the glenoid cavity of the scapula. However, this procedure is not as easy as it seems and can only be done by a trained medical professional. If done the wrong way, the complex structures of the shoulder can be bruised, damaged or torn.
Medications For Shoulder Pain
Having a dislocated shoulder is painful but can be relieved with medications. Pain is usually felt at the moment of the injury and can worsen when moved, especially during the closed reduction. Therefore, doctors may prescribe strong pain relievers to make the reduction procedure more bearable. Also, muscle relaxants can prevent muscle spasms.
Home Remedies After Shoulder Dislocation
Keep the shoulder at rest shortly after the accident. Resting the shoulder will limit any further injuries. Avoid heavy activities while resting the shoulder until it gets better. Aside from rest, cold or ice packs can help reduce inflammation and shoulder pain for 1-3 days after the injury. Once the inflammation is improved, a heat pack can help relax tight muscles.
Rest alone may not be enough to avoid any further injury. In some instances, wearing a splint or sling for a few weeks may be necessary. Some specialized splints may even allow you to move your shoulders safely while preventing movements that cause further harm. Immobilizing will help speed up your body’s natural healing process.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Once immobilization is no longer necessary, the rehabilitation process may begin. The rehabilitation program will follow a gradual approach to avoid too much force on the shoulder. A series of physical and occupational therapy activities can slowly and safely restore flexibility and strength to the shoulder. Range of motion exercises and activity modifications are some of the activities included in these programs.
Surgery For Shoulder Dislocation
People who have had severe or multiple dislocations might need more than medicine and rehabilitation. Here, the damage to the shoulder ligaments gets to the extent that the shoulder cannot safely reattach back into place. In these extreme circumstances, surgery may be the only viable option. It is best to consult with a highly experienced and reputable orthopedic doctor in Maryland to learn more about how surgery can treat a severe shoulder dislocation.
Expert Orthopedic Doctors in Maryland
Shoulder dislocation is an upper extremity injury common in high-impact sports. If you suffer a dislocated shoulder, contact a qualified and highly experienced orthopedic expert to get effective treatment in a timely manner.
Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder is a team of dedicated orthopedic doctors throughout Maryland. We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging techniques and rehabilitation programs. Please reach us by calling (410) 296-6232 or filling out this online request form. With our help, you can safely return to the activities you love!
