Overcoming Dislocated Shoulders: Rehabilitation and Prevention

A dislocated shoulder can have a big impact on your quality of life. It’s painful and restricts your movement, making it difficult to do day-to-day tasks. Dislocated shoulder rehabilitation with a knowledgeable physical therapist is crucial for a complete recovery, and our team can help prevent future dislocations!

Dislocated shoulders occur when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. While Immediate medical attention is essential to relocate the shoulder and prevent further damage, physical therapy at AMR Physical Therapy will help you restore strength and stability to the affected shoulder joint.

Our therapists use various exercises and techniques to improve shoulder stability and prevent recurrent dislocations. We’ll guide you through a program of mobility exercises, strengthening routines, and functional training. These exercises help rebuild muscle surrounding muscles and ensure the shoulder functions properly.

Curious to learn more about what happens during dislocated shoulder rehabilitation? Keep reading!

A Deeper Dive Into Dislocated Shoulders

Shoulder dislocations are acute injuries, and their causes are varied. High-impact sports like football, basketball, and skiing have increased likelihood of falls or heavy contact, making dislocations more likely. However, even everyday activities, such as reaching out to break a fall, can lead to a dislocated shoulder. Weak or overused shoulder muscles can also increase the risk.

Signs of a Dislocated Shoulder

• Intense pain
• Swelling
• A visibly out-of-place shoulder
• Difficulty moving the shoulder
• Numbness or tingling in your arm

If you suspect you’ve dislocated your shoulder, seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room or urgent care center. They’ll put the joint back into place and help manage immediate pain concerns.

Once you’re cleared, however, you’ll need to start the rehabilitation process–and that’s something the team at AMR Physical Therapy can help with.

What To Expect from Dislocated Shoulder Rehabilitation

The team at AMR Physical Therapy offers a structured approach to restore strength and mobility after shoulder dislocation. Here’s what to expect:

Manual Therapy

• We use hands-on techniques to massage and mobilize the shoulder joint, improving blood flow and reducing muscle tension. This helps to alleviate pain and facilitate healing.

Range of Motion Exercises

• We’ll start the process with range-of-motion exercises, which help gradually restore movement in the shoulder without putting too much stress on the joint. Simple activities like pendulum swings or using a pulley system can help improve mobility and reduce stiffness.

Strengthening Exercises

• Next, we’ll work with you to build strength in the rotator cuff and other muscles supporting the shoulder joint. Doing so keeps your shoulder stable and can help prevent future dislocations.

Proprioception Training

• This involves exercises that enhance your sense of joint position, helping you to maintain better control and stability of your shoulder. Activities like using a stability ball can improve coordination.

Your rehabilitation program will include a combination of these methods, all with the goal of restoring shoulder function and preventing future dislocation. We tailor each treatment plan to the patient, ensuring you receive the best care based on your specific needs.

Are You in Need of Rehabilitation for a Dislocated Shoulder?

Dislocated shoulder rehabilitation is an essential part of your recovery process. The injury will weaken your shoulder joint, making you much more susceptible to future injuries. Our personalized rehabilitation programs offer a step-by-step process to regaining that strength–all while helping to reduce your pain and prevent long-term complications.

Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment at AMR Physical Therapy’s Anaheim, CA clinic today to learn how we can help you rehabilitate after a shoulder dislocation.