Shoulder dislocations are a common injury, and as such, they can be quite debilitating. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to get back to your normal life as soon as possible. This physical therapy guide will teach you everything you need to know about shoulder dislocations and how to treat them. From ice packs to PT exercises, read on to learn everything you need to get back on your feet as soon as possible.
Contents
What is a Shoulder Dislocation?
A shoulder dislocation is a condition in which the shoulder joint capsule and rotator cuff muscles are displaced from their normal positions. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for forward and backward motion of the arm. The shoulder dislocation can be caused by several different events, including an accident, injury, or medical condition.
When symptoms develop following shoulder dislocation, the first thing that a doctor will do is examine to determine the extent of the injury. This will include checking for pain and swelling in the arm, as well as examining the range of motion of the shoulder joint. If it is determined that there has been a complete shoulder dislocation, then immediate surgery may be necessary to reattach the shoulder joint capsule and rotator cuff muscles. Post-operative care includes physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility in the affected area.
Physical Therapy For Shoulder Dislocation
Physical therapy is the key treatment for shoulder dislocation. The goal of physical therapy is to restore the range of motion, improve strength and stability, and reduce pain. Treatment generally begins with a period of rest and ice followed by gradual restoration of range of motion with exercises prescribed by the therapist.
If you have shoulder dislocation, the first step in rehabilitation is to take a break from any activities that may put additional stress on your injured joint. You should also avoid using your arm for overhead activities for 4-6 weeks. After four to six weeks have passed, you can begin gentle stretching and strengthening exercises prescribed by your therapist. These exercises should be performed two times per week on days that you are not working or exercising your shoulder.
Your therapist will also prescribe specific anti-inflammatory medication if needed. In most cases, full recovery from shoulder dislocation requires approximately 6-8 months of physical therapy followed by a minimum of 2-3 months of maintenance therapy per year thereafter to keep the joint functioning optimally.
Types of Physical Therapy For Shoulder Dislocation
There are many types of physical therapy for shoulder dislocation. The most common types of physical therapy are:
- Active Rehabilitation
Conservative Care
Operative Treatment
Active Rehabilitation
Active rehabilitation for shoulder dislocation should start with the patient being immobilized in a shoulder sling. This will keep the shoulder in its normal position and prevent any further movement of the arm. The doctor may also prescribe pain medication to help reduce the amount of pain experienced by the patient.
Once immobilization is complete, an ice pack should be applied to the injured area for 20 minutes every hour. Heat packs can also be used, but are less effective than ice packs. Elevation of the arm should also be considered during this stage of rehabilitation, as elevating the arm increases blood flow and reduces swelling.
Physical therapy can begin immediately after dislocation and should focus on restoring the range of motion in the joint. To achieve maximum results, physical therapy should be continued until all range of motion has been restored and symptoms have resolved.
Conservative Care
Conservative care is the best approach to shoulder dislocation. This includes immobilizing the shoulder with a sling or brace and waiting for the injury to heal on its own. Ice and rest are also important parts of conservative care. This type of
Conservative care for shoulder dislocation consists of keeping the dislocated shoulder in a neutral position and providing pain relief. This may include using a splint, ice, and elevation. If your injury is mild, you may only need to rest the shoulder for a few days. For more severe shoulder dislocations, you will likely need surgery.
Conservative care is the term used to describe a treatment plan that focuses on reducing pain and inflammation without surgery or other invasive procedures. Treatment methods may include ice, compression, elevation, and heat. Non-operative methods may take longer to see results but are often less painful and require fewer visits to the doctor.
Operative Treatment
When someone experiences shoulder dislocation, the rotator cuff muscles can become overloaded and ruptured. Once a shoulder dislocation occurs, it is often difficult to fix. Operative treatment may be necessary to repair the rotator cuff muscles and restore normal arm function. Several types of operative treatment can be used for shoulder dislocation:
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This type of surgery involves removing the dislocated shoulder joint and fixing it back into place using metal screws, plates, or other devices. The surgery is often done as an outpatient procedure.
Shoulder Arthroscopy: This type of surgery involves entering through the front of the shoulder joint to explore and repair the rotator cuff muscles and other structures. The surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure but may require a short stay in the hospital after the operation.
Shoulder Repair: This type of surgery fixes fractures or tears in the rotator cuff muscles and other structures. The surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure but may require a short stay in the hospital after the operation.
Why Do People Use Physical Therapy For Shoulder Dislocation?
There are many reasons people might choose to receive physical therapy for a shoulder dislocation. The injury can often result from an accidental fall or motor vehicle accident and may require extensive rehabilitation to regain movement and function. Physical therapy may help improve the range of motion, reduce pain, and help restore strength and coordination in the shoulder.
Some of the other reasons are:
Effective
One of the reasons people may choose physical therapy for a shoulder dislocation is that it is often effective. Physical therapy can help improve the range of motion, reduce pain, and help restore strength and coordination in the shoulder.
Cost Effective
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for a shoulder dislocation, but it can also be expensive. Physical therapy may be cheaper than surgery or other medical interventions.
Safer Option
One of the reasons people may choose physical therapy for a shoulder dislocation is that it is a safer option than surgery. Surgery can be risky and may not always result in full recovery. Physical therapy may help improve the range of motion, reduce pain, and help restore strength and coordination in the shoulder, which may result in better overall outcomes.
No- Side Effects
An often-seen benefit of physical therapy for a shoulder dislocation is that there are usually no side effects. Physical therapy can help improve the range of motion, reduce pain, and help restore strength and coordination in the shoulder, but it is generally safe and well-tolerated.
Preparing For Physical Therapy For Shoulder Dislocation
Preparing for a physical therapy appointment can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the process. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Make an appointment as soon as possible after your injury. The sooner you see a therapist, the better your chances of recovering quickly.
2. Bring along any paperwork or x-rays that indicate your injury. Your therapist will need to know what caused your shoulder dislocation and how it occurred.
3. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and relax. You’ll want to avoid tight clothing and restrictive accessories, which can cause further discomfort and delay healing.
4. Arrive at your appointment prepared to answer any questions your therapist may have. Be sure to list all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies. Your therapist may ask about these to monitor your recovery closely.
5. If you experience any pain or discomfort during your appointment, let your therapist know right away. Concurrent pain can significantly slow the healing process and may necessitate a change in therapy goals.
6. Make sure that you receive proper medical clearance before starting physical therapy. The therapist will help you restore your range of motion and joint stability.
7. Be patient while your shoulder heals and regain range of motion. Physical therapy may take several weeks or even months, but the result will be worth it!
Conclusion
Shoulder dislocations can be a scary experience, but with the help of a physical therapist, you can make it through without any major problems. In this guide, we will cover the basics of shoulder dislocation and provide tips on how to prepare for and survive your appointment. We hope that this guide has provided you with everything you need to know to have a safe and successful appointment. If you have any follow-up questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at our office or online.
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.
