Dislocated Shoulder Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy treatment for Dislocated Shoulder

Shoulder dislocations are a common injury and occur most frequently after a fall onto an outstretched hand, often through sport or an incidental fall. The head of the arm bone (the humerus) breaks through the capsule which encloses it and all of the soft tissue structures in the shoulder, the muscles and ligaments get hugely overstretched. If it is the first time the shoulder has dislocated then it is strongly advised to see a GP and have an X-ray to rule out other bony changes which require surgery, and to have the shoulder reduced (i.e. put back into place) if it is still dislocated. Where there is no obvious bone damage after the first episode, then the shoulder requires physiotherapy treatment.

A physiotherapist will assess the muscles which are weak and/or stretched or tight and prescribe exercises to regain full range of the shoulder movement and to restore normal function and strength.

Physiotherapy for a dislocated shoulder is often very successful, and many people go on to have no further problems with their shoulder if it is treated correctly at the time of injury.

Unfortunately, some people will go on to have recurrent dislocations or further episodes of dislocation despite physiotherapy. This is because there is a weak spot in the shoulder capsule which is unable to be compensated for by muscle strength. If this occurs and the recurring dislocations are interfering with your lifestyle and functioning then an orthopaedic surgeon may need to be consulted to discuss surgical options.