A dislocated shoulder is a painful and common injury that occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. When a shoulder dislocates, it requires prompt medical care to reduce pain and restore its range of motion.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a shoulder dislocation, contact Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO today! We offer expert shoulder treatments in Austin, Texas, to help you recover effectively.
“Great staff at reception area. Very pleasant and professional medical staff. Wait time was appropriate. I appreciate Dr. Szerlip’s approach. He answered all my concerns. I’ll continue to receive steroid injections as long as they’re helpful. Then will work to create a plan to maintain my shoulder function. So, no complaints.” — Gretchen H.
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced out of its natural position in the shoulder socket. The shoulder joint, or glenohumeral joint, is a ball-and-socket structure where the humerus sits in a shallow cavity within the shoulder blade (scapula). This joint structure allows for a wide range of motion, but it also makes the shoulder more susceptible to dislocations and shoulder instability.
When a shoulder dislocation happens, the pain is usually immediate and intense. You might feel:
In some cases, the shoulder joint may only be partially dislocated (a partial dislocation), causing milder but persistent discomfort, limited motion, and a sensation that the shoulder is unstable or could dislocate again.
Dislocated shoulders usually occur through traumatic injury. Common occurrences are automobile accidents or sports injuries.
Several factors increase the likelihood of a shoulder dislocation:
A shoulder separation can commonly be mistaken for a dislocated shoulder. It affects the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade.
In this injury, the ligaments connecting these bones are stretched or torn, causing pain, swelling, and limited movement. However, unlike a dislocation, a shoulder separation doesn’t involve the upper arm bone shifting out of the shoulder socket.
A shoulder and sports medicine specialist like Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip can help accurately diagnose and treat shoulder separations and other injuries to support proper recovery.
If you suspect a shoulder dislocation, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. A shoulder and sports medicine surgeon like Dr. Szerlip will examine the shoulder, assessing range of motion, visible deformities, and any signs of torn ligaments. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, are commonly used to confirm the extent of the injury and check for fractures or damage to nearby shoulder structures.
Treatment for a shoulder dislocation often involves several steps:
Dr. Szerlip specializes in both non-surgical and surgical options to treat shoulder dislocations, tailoring each treatment plan to the patient’s specific needs.
Recovery time for a dislocated shoulder varies depending on the severity of the dislocation, the patient’s overall health, and the treatments used. Typically:
Dr. Szerlip will guide you through each phase of recovery, providing a personalized plan to reduce pain and prevent future injuries.
Preventing shoulder dislocations largely depends on strengthening and protecting the shoulder joint:
If you’re struggling with a shoulder injury or think you may have a dislocated shoulder, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO—a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin, TX—provides advanced care for dislocated shoulders and other shoulder conditions.
With expertise in minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures, Dr. Szerlip can help restore your shoulder’s health and strength, getting you back to your active lifestyle safely. For expert care, schedule a consultation with Dr. Szerlip today and take the first step toward a full recovery!
Medically reviewed by Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO
