How to Heal a Dislocated Shoulder

The pain of a dislocated shoulder can be excruciating. There are several ways that you can help heal your dislocated shoulder. A shoulder dislocation occurs when the joint of the shoulder is moved apart and the joint is no longer able to function. The shoulder is made up of the ball, which is the where, the arm ends this is also known as the humorous bone. The second part of the shoulder is the socket or the shoulder blade. The medical term for this is area called the scapula. Dislocations occur when the ball is displaced in front or behind the socket.

How do dislocations occur?

There are many ways that dislocations can happen; falling with your hand and arm stretched out can actually hurt you more than if you did not try to catch yourself. It can also happen if your arm is forced into an unnatural position. Very hard blows to the front of the shoulder can cause your shoulder to dislocate and place the ball behind the scapula. People that play sports such as basketball, football, and hockey as well as other extreme sports such as skateboarding and snowboarding are very susceptible to shoulder dislocations.

So how can you heal a dislocated shoulder? One of the best ways to heal a dislocated shoulder is to see your doctor or health care provider. They can help you put your shoulder back in place and can also give you directions on how to manage your pain. They can also tell you how well you are expected to function.

Are there any home remedies to heal a dislocated shoulder?

Rest you shoulder

This means that you should not make any rough or sudden movements with your shoulder, do not do any heavy lifting and do not continue to make the same movements with your shoulder that caused it to dislocate in the first place.

Applying and taking pain relievers

Applying muscle relaxants that can be massaged into your shoulder will help ease the pain from your shoulder. Taking either prescription pain relievers (that have been prescribed by your doctor) or over the counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or naproxen sodium not only help your pain, but they also provide anti-inflammatory agents that can help with swelling.

Applying heat therapy and cold therapy can help heal a dislocated shoulder. You should firs apply ice and cold compresses when trying to heal your dislocated shoulder. Apply ice packs at 15 to 20 minute intervals. After resting your shoulder for a day or two, begin applying heat to soothe sore, tense muscles.

Move your shoulder as much as possible

It is okay to let your shoulder rest for a day or two, but after that you need to follow your doctor’s orders and begin with some gentle movement and exercise. If you do not move your shoulder it could become tense and more painful when you do move it.