If you have ever dislocated your shoulder, you know how painful it can be. In addition to the pain, there is also the fear of re-injuring the shoulder. Many people seek physical therapy after dislocating their shoulder to help reduce the risk of re-injury. Physical therapy can also help improve the range of motion and strength in the shoulder joint. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of physical therapy for dislocated shoulders and how it can help you get back to your normal activities quickly and safely.
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What Is Dislocated Shoulder?
A dislocated shoulder is a condition in which your upper arm bone pops out of your shoulder socket. It can happen from falling, a car accident, or any type of impact that forces your arm out of its normal position. The dislocation may be partial or complete. A partial dislocation means the bone has partially popped out of the socket. A complete dislocation means the bone has completely popped out of the socket.
A dislocated shoulder is also referred to as a luxating patella, subluxation, or shoulder instability.
The most common symptom of a dislocated shoulder is intense pain. You may hear a popping sound when the injury occurs. Your arm may look twisted or deformed. You may also have numbness and tingling in your arm.
A dislocated shoulder is a serious injury that requires prompt medical attention. If not treated properly, a dislocated shoulder can lead to long-term joint instability and deformity.
Treatment for a dislocated shoulder depends on the severity of the injury. In some cases, the bone can be popped back into place (reduced) without surgery. However, most people will require surgery to repair the damaged ligaments and tissues around the shoulder joint. Surgery is typically followed by physical therapy to help regain the range of motion and strength in the shoulder.
Physical Therapy for Dislocated Shoulder
Treating a dislocated shoulder requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on pain relief, restoring the range of motion, and strengthening the muscles and ligaments around the joint.
The first step in treatment is to reduce the pain and swelling. This can be done with ice, rest, and pain medication. Your doctor may also recommend wearing a sling to keep your arm from moving.
Once the pain and swelling have subsided, physical therapy will be essential in restoring the range of motion and strength to the shoulder. A variety of exercises and stretches will be prescribed to help you regain movement in your shoulder. The therapist may also use modalities such as heat or ultrasound to help reduce stiffness.
It is important to follow your physical therapy program diligently to avoid further injury and to ensure a full recovery. Surgery may be required if physical therapy is not successful in restoring the range of motion and strength to the shoulder.
If you have suffered a dislocated shoulder, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced orthopedic surgeons.
Types of Physical Therapy for Dislocated Shoulder
Many types of physical therapy can be used to treat a dislocated shoulder. The type of therapy prescribed will depend on the severity of the injury and the goals of treatment.
Range of Motion Exercises
One of the most common types of physical therapy for a dislocated shoulder is range of motion exercises. These exercises help to restore the normal range of motion to the shoulder joint. They are typically done several times a day and may be combined with other therapies such as heat or ice. These exercises should only be performed when the pain and swelling have subsided.
Strengthening Exercises
Once the range of motion has been restored, strengthening exercises will be prescribed to help support the joint. These exercises help to build up the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder joint and can prevent further injury. One of the most common strengthening exercises is the use of resistance bands. These can be done at home or in the therapy office.
Modalities
Several different modalities may be used in physical therapy for a dislocated shoulder. Heat, ice, and electrical stimulation are often used to help reduce pain and swelling. Ultrasound may also be used to help loosen tight muscles and promote healing. These modalities are typically used in conjunction with other therapies such as range of motion and strengthening exercises.
Massage
Massage can be very beneficial in treating a dislocated shoulder. It helps to increase blood flow to the area and can reduce pain and inflammation. Massage may be done in the office or at home using lotions or oils. People use different types of massage for different purposes. Swedish massage is often used for relaxation, while deep tissue massage is used to target specific areas of pain and inflammation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another treatment that may be used in physical therapy for a dislocated shoulder. This ancient Chinese practice involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points. This is said to help release energy and promote healing. Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other therapies such as range of motion exercises and massage. Acupuncture makes it a better understanding of physical therapy for a dislocated shoulder.
One of the most important things to understand about acupuncture is that it is not a “cure-all” for every condition. It is important to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine if this therapy is right for you.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a type of physical therapy that uses a thin needle to puncture the skin. This is done to stimulate the muscles and promote healing. Dry needling is often used in conjunction with other therapies such as range of motion exercises and massage.
Dry needling is a relatively new therapy and it is important to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine if this therapy is right for you. When taking part in dry needling, it is important to make sure that the practitioner is using sterile needles and is following all of the necessary safety protocols.
Muscle Retraining
An important part of physical therapy for a dislocated shoulder is muscle retraining. This helps the muscles around the joint to learn how to support the joint properly. This is often done through the use of exercises and electrical stimulation. Muscle retraining is an important part of preventing further injury and promoting healing.
Many people may prefer to use muscle re-training as their primary method of physical therapy for a dislocated shoulder. This is because it helps to prevent further injury and promotes healing. Muscle re-training is often used in conjunction with other therapies such as range of motion exercises and massage.
Sport-Specific Training
Sport-specific training programs are designed to return the athlete to their previous level of performance. The goal is to restore normal range of motion, muscle strength, and power. Sport-specific training is often done in addition to other forms of therapy.
Plyometrics
Plyometrics are exercises that involve explosive movements, such as jumping. They are often used in physical therapy for athletes who need to regain power and explosiveness.
Isometric exercises
Isometric exercises involve muscle contraction without movement. They can be used to help maintain muscle strength while the joint is healing.
Weightlifting
Weightlifting is often included in sport-specific training programs. It helps restore a normal range of motion and improve muscle strength. Sometimes, special devices are used to help the athlete lift weights while protecting the injured shoulder.
How To Select Which Type of Physical Therapy for Dislocated Shoulders?
Selecting which type of physical therapy for dislocated shoulders will be based on the severity of your injury. If you have a partial dislocation, also called a subluxation, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles around your shoulder. A complete dislocation will require more intensive treatment and may involve surgery to repair the ligaments or tendons that hold your shoulder in place.
The factors that may impact the selection of physical therapy for dislocated shoulders include:
Type of Dislocation You Have
One of the main factors that will impact the type of physical therapy you receive is the severity of your dislocation. If you have a partial dislocation, also called a subluxation, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles around your shoulder. A complete dislocation will require more intensive treatment and may involve surgery to repair the ligaments or tendons that hold your shoulder in place.
Age
Your age may also play a role in what type of physical therapy is recommended. For example, older adults are typically less likely to respond well to nonsurgical methods like physical therapy and may instead require surgery to repair their shoulder joints. In contrast, younger patients who have suffered a minor dislocation may be able to forgo surgery and instead opt for physical therapy.
Location of Your Dislocation
Another factor that can influence your physical therapy is the location of your dislocation. For example, if you have a posterior dislocation, which occurs when the ball of your shoulder joint pops out of the back of the socket, you may require different exercises than someone who has an anterior dislocation, where the ball pops out of the front of the socket.
Overall Health
Your overall health may also be a factor in what type of physical therapy is recommended. If you have other medical conditions that could complicate your recovery, your doctor may recommend a different course of treatment. For example, if you have diabetes, you may be at a higher risk for infection and may require special exercises to prevent further injury.
Medical History
A final factor that may impact your physical therapy is your medical history. If you have had previous shoulder injuries, you may be more likely to require surgery to repair your current dislocation. Additionally, if you have a family history of shoulder problems, you may be more likely to develop further complications and may require a different course of treatment.
Ability To Bear Pain
Another factor is your ability to bear the pain. If you can not handle pain well, then you may want to reconsider having surgery as an option. this is because with surgery comes a lot of pain and discomfort. Physical therapy will also cause some pain, but it will be more manageable since it is not as invasive as surgery.
Occupation
If you have a manual labor job, then it is important to factor in how your injury will affect your ability to do your job. If you can not do your job without putting strain on your shoulder, then physical therapy may be the best option so that you can get back to work as soon as possible. However, if your job does not require much use of your shoulder, then surgery may be the best option so that you can have a complete recovery.
Cost
Last, but certainly not least, is the cost of treatment. Surgery is typically more expensive than physical therapy, so if you are looking to save money, then physical therapy may be the best option. However, if you have good health insurance, then the cost may not be as big of a factor in your decision.
After taking all of these factors into consideration, you and your doctor will be able to make the best decision for your specific situation. If physical therapy is recommended, there are a few different exercises that may be used to help improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles around your shoulder.
Conclusion
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for a dislocated shoulder. The therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals. Treatment may include exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help improve range of motion and strength. Physical therapy can help you return to your normal activities and lessen your risk of future injury.
If you have a dislocated shoulder, talk to your doctor about whether physical therapy may be right for you.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
