Dr. Szerlip has joined forces with Austin Orthopedic Institute
We are at: 11675 Jollyville Road Suite 207, Austin, TX 78759
Call 512-856-1000 or click here to request an appointment.
A dislocated shoulder is one of the most painful and alarming injuries a person can experience. When the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, severe pain and limited movement can often follow instantly.
If you believe your shoulder is dislocated or you are dealing with recurring instability, our team of experts, led by Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin, Texas, is here to help. Contact our practice today for prompt medical attention.
“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 happens when the ball of the upper arm bone slips out of the shoulder socket in the shoulder blade. Because it is a highly flexible joint, the shoulder allows a wide range of motion, but that same flexibility makes it prone to injury. When shoulder dislocated injuries occur, surrounding tissues like the rotator cuff, shoulder muscles, blood vessels, and nerves can also be affected.
A complete dislocation means the ball fully separates from the socket, while a partial dislocation (subluxation) means the joint only shifts partway out.
Many dislocated shoulders occur during falls, sports injuries, or car accidents. A forceful hit can make the shoulder dislocate forward (the most common type, known as an anterior dislocation) or backward (posterior dislocation).
Common risk factors include:
Individuals with chronic shoulder instability are also more susceptible to future shoulder dislocations.
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.
Because joint shoulder dislocation symptoms can overlap with other shoulder injuries, several conditions may feel similar. 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.
Other shoulder conditions that can mimic some dislocated shoulder symptoms include the following:
You should seek immediate treatment at an emergency room or from an orthopedic specialist if you suspect a dislocation. Your clinician will check for:
X-rays help confirm whether the joint socket is displaced and can reveal associated fractures or other symptoms of injury.
Prompt diagnosis is essential to reduce pain, prevent further injury, and ensure the shoulder can heal properly.
Most cases require a procedure called closed reduction, where the clinician gently guides the upper arm back into the shoulder socket. Once realigned, pain relief is typically immediate.
Additional treatment steps may include:
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.
While not every injury can be avoided, you can significantly reduce the risk of future shoulder dislocations by:
People who have had one dislocation are more likely to experience recurrent dislocations, especially without targeted strengthening or rehabilitation.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a dislocated shoulder or have ongoing instability, you deserve expert evaluation and care. Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin, TX, provides advanced treatment options to help you recover safely and confidently.
Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.
Medically reviewed by Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO
A dislocation typically causes immediate severe pain, deformity, and inability to move your arm. A strain may be painful, but usually does not cause the shoulder to look visibly out of place.
Seek medical help immediately. Avoid trying to push the joint back in yourself. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling while waiting for care.
Most patients wear a sling for a few weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and whether there was a complete dislocation.
No. Many cases improve with closed reduction and physical therapy. Surgery is usually recommended only for repeat dislocations or when there is significant tissue damage.
Yes, especially with targeted exercises aimed at strengthening shoulder muscles, improving stability, and preventing future dislocations.
Dr. Szerlip has joined forces with Austin Orthopedic Institute
We are at: 11675 Jollyville Road Suite 207, Austin, TX 78759
Call 512-856-1000 or click here to request an appointment.