Get Help for a Dislocated Shoulder in Arizona

Dislocation means the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) has moved out of its normal position in the shoulder socket. Shoulder dislocations can be slightly out of place (partial) dislocation or completely separated (complete dislocation). The shoulder can dislocate downward, forward, or backward. The shoulder is also the most commonly dislocated major joint.

Shoulder dislocations require emergency treatment to prevent further damage.

At Dignity Health, we work to reduce your pain and get your shoulder back to normal functioning as quickly as possible. We use a range of innovative therapies and technologically advanced orthopedic procedures to care for shoulder conditions and injuries, including dislocated shoulder, in Arizona. We also offer nutritional counseling and orthopedic physical therapy to help you heal and prevent future shoulder injuries. Call (877) 634-0285 or use our online Find a Doctor tool to make an appointment at one of our Arizona locations: 

 

Dislocated Shoulder Symptoms

The main symptoms of dislocated shoulder are shoulder deformity, instability in the shoulder, and severe pain. Other symptoms include:

  • Swelling
  • Muscle spasms
  • Bruising
  • Weakness and numbness in the hand or arm

 

What Causes Shoulder Dislocation?

Shoulder dislocations are usually caused by trauma. This includes forceful twisting of the shoulder joint and blunt force injury to the shoulder. Falls, direct blows, and contact sport injuries are common examples. 

Some people are prone to shoulder dislocations due to having more looseness (laxity) in their ligaments than normal.

 

Dislocated Shoulder Treatment at Dignity Health

For shoulder dislocations, treatment starts with restoring the correct position of the joint. Doctors use a reduction maneuver to put the shoulder joint back in place. This involves gently and slowly guiding the bones into position. A sedative and pain medication will keep you comfortable during this procedure. 

Your doctor will immobilize your shoulder with a brace or sling once it is back in its normal position. Physical therapy can help improve your shoulder’s range of motion and strengthen the surrounding muscles following dislocation. It may also help prevent recurrences. 

Sometimes, shoulder surgery is necessary to realign the shoulder joint. Recurrent shoulder dislocation and dislocation with ligament damage are more likely to require surgery. 

Dignity Health provides comprehensive treatment for dislocated shoulder in Arizona.