Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.

Shoulder Dislocation Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• If a sling is not available, you can rig one by tying a long piece of cloth in a circle (a bed sheet may do nicely).
• A pillow placed between the arm and body may also help support the injured shoulder.
• Because an empty stomach is best during treatment, the patient should not eat more than ice chips before being examined by a doctor.

Medical Treatment

• Treatment may include medications to lessen pain. After a dislocation is confirmed by x–ray, many people require medicine to lessen pain and help relax the surrounding muscles during the reduction procedure (relocating the joint to its healthy alignment). The patient may require a mild sedative as well to allow the body to relax. Most people can have their dislocated shoulder relocated in the emergency department, but a few difficult cases require a general anesthetic in an operating room.
• Many successful techniques for relocating a dislocated shoulder are available. A doctor may need to try more than one technique on the patient before a method is found that suits the particular dislocation. The technique may also vary if the dislocation is not the usual inferior type.
• After the patient's shoulder is back in place, they will be sent home in a sling or shoulder immobilizer (a sling–like device that attaches to the body to lessen movement at the shoulder joint). A prescription pain reliever is often needed to control pain.

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