Shoulder Dislocation

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. A dislocation occurs when the ball (top of the upper arm bone) pops out of the socket (shoulder blade). This can happen due to trauma like a fall, sports injury, or accident. 

  Symptoms: 

• Sudden, severe shoulder pain 

• Inability to move the shoulder 

• A visibly deformed or out-of-place shoulder 

• Swelling or bruising 

• Assess your injury and confirm diagnosis with an X-ray 

• Relocate (put back) your shoulder—often with sedation or pain relief 

• Check for nerve or blood vessel damage 

• Provide a sling and painkillers 

• Refer you for follow-up with our orthopaedic team 

Rest and Protection: Wear your sling as advised. Avoid movements that stress the shoulder. 

Pain Relief: Use paracetamol and/or ibuprofen regularly for the first few days. Ice packs (wrapped in cloth) can help reduce swelling—apply for 15–20 minutes every few hours. 

Movement: Start gentle elbow, wrist, and hand movements as soon as comfortable. Do not raise your arm above shoulder height until advised. 

Physiotherapy: 
You'll be referred for physiotherapy to help restore strength and movement. Follow the exercises carefully to prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of future dislocations. 

Contact Orthopaedics via switchboard if: 

• Pain worsens despite medication 

• You lose sensation or movement in your arm 

• There’s ongoing swelling or discolouration in your hand 

• You feel the shoulder is unstable again 

You will receive an appointment with our orthopaedic or fracture clinic. This usually takes place within 1–2 weeks. 

At the appointment they will: 

• Review healing with repeat X-rays if needed 

• Assess your risk of future dislocations 

• Advise on return to sport or work 

• Discuss surgical options if necessary (more common in younger patients or recurrent dislocations) 

• Complete your physiotherapy programme 

• Avoid contact sports until cleared by your doctor 

• Strengthen the shoulder muscles with guided exercises 

• Be cautious with overhead lifting or pushing activities