When the head of the humerus moves or comes out of its usual location in the shoulder joint, the shoulder is said to be dislocated. A term shoulder subluxation is used when the top of the humerus is only partially displaced and not totally out of its socket.

 Types of Shoulder dislocations

 Anterior dislocation

The top of the humerus is displaced forward, toward the front of the body. This is the most common type of shoulder dislocation, with more than 95% of cases. In young people, the cause is typically sports-related. In older people, it usually is caused by a fall on an outstretched arm.

 Posterior dislocation

The top of the humerus is displaced toward the back of the body. Posterior dislocations account for 2% to 4% of all shoulder dislocations and are the type most likely to be related to seizures. Posterior dislocations also can happen because of a fall on an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the front of the shoulder.

 Inferior dislocation

The top of the humerus is displaced downward. This type of shoulder dislocation is the very uncommon.

What leads to shoulder dislocation?

Many people who had a dislocated shoulder often refer back to the incident being so sudden that all they remember is hearing a loud click and feeling of excruciating pain immediately after the injury. They could actually feel the shoulder as it gets wrenched out of the socket (part of shoulder blade) and strains/tears the supporting soft tissue (muscle/tendon/capsule). It can be a very dreadful experience.

Depending on the severity of injury, the treatment protocol varies. Generally, your doctor orders X-Ray and US to determine the extent and severity of the injury. Shoulder dislocations are further classified depending on your symptoms and X-Ray findings which lays down a general guideline for treating dislocated shoulders. Usually, a shoulder sling is provided to maintain the shoulder in neutral position and offload your shoulder muscles.

Occasionally, the dislocation occurs after generally normal motions, such as raising an arm or rolling over in bed. In these rare cases, the real cause may be that the shoulder ligaments are abnormally lax or loose. Loose ligaments are sometimes due to an inherited condition that can increase a person’s risk of dislocation in other body joints as well.

Curezone Physiotherapy clinic in Mississauga aims in providing multidisciplinary approach and evidence based physiotherapy treatment and Rehabilitation for shoulder dislocation. Our registered physiotherapist is specialized in musculoskeletal injuries and sports injuries and aims to provide the best treatment approach possible for the injury.

Principles of physiotherapy in treating shoulder dislocation Injuries:

Short term physiotherapy Goals:

The objective includes

• Prevention of further damage
• Reduction of pain
• Reduction of swelling
• Immobilization of certain movements based on the type of shoulder dislocation and prevention of the stiffness in the joint and soft tissues
• Maintenance of muscle power

Long-term physiotherapy goals

The objective includes:

• The education of movement
• Increase mobility of joint and soft tissue
• Restoration of function and return to daily living
• Restoration of confidence in affected part
• Prevention of reoccurrence of the injury.

How Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga can help to rehabilitate your shoulder?

Registered Physiotherapist can aid in faster recovery of dislocated shoulder and get you to start engaging your shoulder in activities of daily living such dressing, combing, grooming, eating, lifting objects etc.

Initial phases of tissue healing: Our Registered Physiotherapist assists in enhancing the injured tissue through modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound, Laser and muscle stimulator. These electrical modalities bring more blood to the area (fresh oxygen and nutrients) and calms down the inflammation in the shoulder. If you don’t mobilize your shoulder in the sling, it tends to get stiff and shoulder muscles develop spasm/tightness due to the lack of motion which can further lead to complications such as frozen shoulder.

Registered Physiotherapist mobilize your shoulder joint without stressing the healing tissues, thus preventing any secondary complications associated with shoulder immobilization. Registered Physiotherapist at curezone physiotherapy clinic also educate regarding the use of the sling and certain positions/activities to be avoided that might promote dislocation when the tissues are healing. This would incorporate strengthening exercises to shoulder using Thera band/weight cuffs to increase strength in your shoulder muscles so that they can stabilize the shoulder.

K Taping can also be done to improve sensory feedback, Joint Stability and increase joint propioception.

Call Curezone physiotherapy, Mississauga today to get assessed and treated by our registered physiotherapist for your shoulder dislocation.