Shoulder Dislocations and Subluxations

A shoulder dislocation is an injury in which the arm bone, or humerus, comes out of the socket in the shoulder blade. A subluxation is a temporary, partial dislocation of the shoulder. Both of these injuries often occur as a result of shoulder weakness.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

• Shoulder and arm pain often occur because these injuries can cause rotator muscle and/or tendon tears or ligament strains
• Numbness and/or tingling into the hand if there is resulting nerve damage as well

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?

Based on your presentation, your physical therapist may use manual soft tissue mobilization to reduce muscle spasms and pain. Your treatment will also focus on rotator cuff and shoulder blade strength to restore proper joint mechanics and stability in order to promote healing and reduce risk of additional injury. It will be very important to follow your PT’s instructions for an ongoing home exercise program to reduce this risk of future dislocations.