Shoulder Dislocations

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. It is the most mobile joint in the body. It is also the joint that most commonly dislocates. Common causes of shoulder dislocations include the following:

• Sports injuries
• Non-sports related accidents
• Falls

The signs and symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include the following:

• Severe pain
• A noticeable deformity
• Inability to move the shoulder
• Swelling
• Bruising

Patients who sustain a shoulder dislocation may need to seek emergency medical attention to have their shoulder put back in place. Once the shoulder is in place, patients should follow up with a Shoulder Specialist. The shoulder specialists at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates are able to effectively treat shoulder dislocations and prevent them from reoccurring

Nonsurgical treatment options such as pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and injections may be used to help control pain and inflammation. Physical therapy may be used to help strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the shoulder to ensure the shoulder does not dislocate again. In some cases, surgery may be recommended. The Shoulder Specialists at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates are experts at performing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.