Shoulder Dislocation
About Shoulder Dislocation
Dislocation of the shoulder typically occurs from falling onto an arm when it is either outstretched (abducted) or at your side (adducted), or a blow to the side or back of the shoulder when falling on it. This can happen in different sports activities or falls. Dislocations are managed medically to relocate the head of the humerus bone. Depending on the severity of the dislocation, your physician will typically prescribe physical therapy to help stabilize the shoulder joint and protect it during a recovery phase.
With frequent dislocations, shoulder instability can occur as the structures in the shoulder are repetitively overstretched. By strengthening the muscles around the shoulder, stability can be restored, decreasing the likelihood of future dislocations.
At times, dislocations can be quite severe and lead to tearing of cartilage, tendons, ligaments or muscles. In this case, surgery is often needed. After surgery, physical therapy is an important part of recovery and returning to normal activities.
How physical therapy helps
Physical therapy is very important after a dislocation. Our physical therapists work with you closely to protect the joint while it heals, teach you how to function with reduced risk of reinjury, and rehabilitate your shoulder.
If you require surgery to stabilize your shoulder, our physical therapists will follow your surgeon’s protocol. Initially, treatment will focus on range of motion and maintaining joint stability to allow for soft tissue healing. As your shoulder heals, strengthening exercises will be initiated to improve the muscular support around the shoulder. Ideally, full range of motion and strength is regained allowing you to return to normal activities and with the knowledge to protect your shoulder from future injury.
Call Bay State Physical Therapy today to find out how we can help you recover from a shoulder dislocation.