Dislocated Shoulder

Overview

A dislocated shoulder happens when the top of the upper arm bone slips out of the cup-shaped socket in the shoulder blade. The shoulder is the body's most movable joint, so it can slip out more easily than other joints. This is not the same as a shoulder separation, which affects the collarbone area.

Yes. Shoulder dislocation is one of the most common joint dislocations, especially in active young people and in older adults after falls.

Anyone can dislocate a shoulder. It is most common in people who play contact sports, people with loose or hypermobile joints, and older adults who fall. Children can also dislocate a shoulder, though it is less common.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden, severe shoulder pain
• The shoulder looks deformed or out of place
• Swelling and bruising
• Not being able to move the shoulder or arm normally
• Holding the arm still against the body
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand

Symptoms in children

• Crying or being very upset after a fall or injury
• Refusing to use the arm
• Holding the arm still or close to the body
• Swelling or a change in the shape of the shoulder
• Being hard to comfort or seeming very tired

Symptoms in older adults

• A fall is a common cause
• A higher chance of a broken bone near the shoulder at the same time
• More weakness or numbness in the arm or hand
• Slower recovery, so physiotherapy and follow-up matter
• Other health conditions may affect treatment choices

Causes

Main causes

• Falling onto an outstretched hand or onto the shoulder
• Sports injuries, such as a tackle or a hard fall
• A direct blow to the shoulder
• A seizure or electric shock that causes strong muscle pulls
• Severe twisting or pulling of the arm
• A previous dislocation that left the shoulder less stable

Risk factors

• Playing contact sports or doing high-risk activities
• Having loose or hypermobile joints
• Having had a shoulder dislocation before
• Being young and very active
• Older age, especially with falls and poor balance
• Work or hobbies with a high risk of falls

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• After any injury where the shoulder looks out of place or you cannot use the arm
• If you have numbness, tingling, weakness, or a strange feeling in the arm or hand
• If the shoulder is very swollen, bruised, or painful
• If the shoulder feels loose or has slipped out again
• If the shoulder is hot, red, and swollen, or you have a fever

Book a routine appointment if:

• A follow-up check after the shoulder has been put back in place
• Ongoing pain, stiffness, or weakness after treatment
• Repeated feelings of instability when reaching or lifting
• Trouble with daily tasks, work, or sport after recovery

Diagnosis

A doctor or urgent care clinician will ask how the injury happened, look at the shoulder, and check feeling and blood flow in the arm and hand. They will usually arrange an X-ray to confirm the dislocation and check for broken bones.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray to see the position of the arm bone and look for fractures
• CT scan in some cases, especially if a fracture is suspected
• MRI scan later if soft tissue or cartilage damage is suspected
• Checks of nerve function and pulse in the arm and hand

What to expect at your appointment

You may be given pain relief before the shoulder is put back in place. A trained clinician will gently move the joint back into position, sometimes with medicine to help you relax. Another X-ray is often taken afterward. You may leave in a sling and be given follow-up instructions.

Treatment

Treatment starts with getting the shoulder joint back in place safely, then protecting it and rebuilding strength and movement. Do not try to pop the shoulder back in yourself. Follow your healthcare team's advice about the sling, activity, and physiotherapy.

Self-care at home

• Rest the shoulder and use a sling only as long as your clinician advises
• Put ice on the shoulder for short periods, with a cloth between the ice and skin
• Ask your clinician or pharmacist about safe pain relief
• Sleep in a comfortable supported position, as advised
• Move your fingers, wrist, and elbow gently if your clinician says it is safe
• Avoid lifting, reaching overhead, and contact sports until cleared
• Do the physiotherapy exercises you are given, even when pain improves

Medical treatments

A doctor will put the joint back in place using gentle techniques, sometimes with pain relief or medicine to help you relax. After that, a sling or support may be used for a short time. Physiotherapy is a key part of recovery. Your healthcare team will decide what is safe for you and when to return to normal activity.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be considered if the shoulder keeps dislocating, if there is a broken bone or serious tissue damage, or if rehabilitation has not made the shoulder stable enough. This is a decision you make with a specialist.

Living with this condition

For a short time, you may need help with dressing, washing, cooking, and everyday tasks. Keep the shoulder protected as advised, and ask your clinician when it is safe to drive or return to work. Follow your sling and exercise instructions carefully.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting until your clinician says it is safe
• Make your home safer to reduce falls, such as clearing loose rugs and improving lighting
• Build strength and balance gradually with guidance
• Use good technique and protective gear during sport or physical work
• Pace yourself and rest when your shoulder feels tired or sore

Diet and exercise

Eat balanced meals with enough protein and nutrients to support bone and muscle healing. Follow the exercise plan from your physiotherapist. Start gently and increase slowly. Walking and general movement can help, but avoid overhead or heavy activities until you are cleared.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A shoulder injury can be frustrating and can make you feel anxious about moving your arm or returning to sport. It is okay to ask for support. If you feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a crisis support service right away.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every shoulder dislocation, but you can lower your risk. Build shoulder strength and balance, use safe technique in sport, wear protective gear, and reduce fall risks at home and work.

Vaccines

No vaccine prevents a dislocated shoulder.

Screening programmes

No routine screening test is used for a first shoulder dislocation. After a dislocation, follow-up checks can assess shoulder strength, movement, and stability.

Complications

If left untreated

• Nerve damage that can cause numbness, weakness, or loss of feeling
• Blood vessel damage, which is rare but serious
• A broken bone near the shoulder
• Repeated dislocations and long-term shoulder instability
• Stiffness or lasting weakness
• Cartilage damage and arthritis later in life

Long-term outlook

With prompt care and a good rehabilitation plan, many people recover well and return to normal activities. Some people, especially young athletes, have a higher chance of repeat dislocation. Following physiotherapy and your clinician's advice can reduce that risk.

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