Dislocated Shoulder
Dislocated Shoulder Care at UVM Health
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the ball-and-socket joint of your shoulder is forced out of position, typically because of a strong blow to your shoulder. This causes pain, swelling and an immediate loss of range of motion.
You may even notice a physical change to your shoulder, such as a flattened shoulder with a bony bump. You should visit the emergency room to get urgent treatment for a dislocated shoulder.
At University of Vermont Health, our fellowship-trained shoulder specialists provide thorough examinations and follow-up care for dislocated shoulders.
Why Choose UVM Health?
Sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons and advanced practice providers work together to offer the full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments.
As one of the leading orthopedic programs in the region, we offer:
- Advanced techniques: We are at the leading edge of shoulder treatment. You receive the latest treatments, including arthroscopy, which require specialized skills and training.
- Specialized experts: Our team of sports medicine and orthopedic surgeons have subspecialty training in shoulder care. They focus on specific conditions, such as dislocated shoulders and other injuries, so you always receive treatment from an expert.
- Research emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are active researchers, many of whom are training the next generation of experts.
Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder
You’ll usually be able to tell that your shoulder joint is out of place just by looking at it. You can typically also point to a sudden injury, such as a car crash, fall or sports injury, that caused your symptoms. You may experience:
- Bruising
- Immediate loss of range of motion
- Muscle spasms
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Tingling or numbness in your neck or arm
Diagnosing a Dislocated Shoulder
When diagnosing a dislocated shoulder, your provider will examine your shoulder for swelling, tenderness and signs of deformity. They may also use imaging tests to get a closer look at your shoulder, including:
Dislocated Shoulder Treatment
Dislocated shoulders require urgent treatment to move the joint back into its proper position (called reduction). Your provider will use gentle maneuvers to reposition your shoulder. Depending on the extent of the injury, they may give you a pain reliever or muscle relaxer before reducing the joint. After your shoulder is repositioned, you may also need:
Your doctor may give you a sling or splint to stabilize your shoulder as it heals.
A physical therapist can teach you exercises to improve your shoulder strength and range of motion. Physical therapy may help improve stability in your shoulder joint after you heal.
Sometimes, people experience repeat shoulder dislocations due to instability in the shoulder. In these cases, you may need a shoulder arthroscopy. During this procedure, your surgeon uses small incisions and a special instrument with a camera (arthroscope) to repair or tighten your soft tissues.
Fall Prevention Resources
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be at risk of a fall, explore our Fall Prevention Guide.
Locations Near You
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75 Park Street
Elizabethtown, VT 12932
101 Adirondack Drive
Suite 1
Ticonderoga, NY 12883
187 Park Street
Suite 2
Malone, NY 12953-1233
6 San Remo Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403-6378
192 Tilley Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403-4440
1311 Barre Montpelier Road
Suite 400
Berlin, VT 05602
1436 Exchange Street
Middlebury, VT 05753-1185
76 McNeil Road
Suite 2
Waterbury Center, VT 05677-7162