The process of “popping” a dislocated shoulder back into place is called reducing the shoulder.
The dislocation can be partial (subluxation) or complete (luxation).
As such, signs of this injury may be overt or subtle.
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
A dislocated shoulder may lead to potentially serious complications if not treated promptly.
Healthcare providers commonly useanti-inflammatory injectionsormuscle relaxantsbefore a reduction to help with this.
Do not proceed if there is any screaming, panic, or chaos.
Instead, create a calm environment, removing anyone causing undue stress, anxiety, or agitation.
A helper can support the arm, although this is not necessary.
Movements should be slow; pain is a sign to slow things down.
Gently rotate the hand behind the head.
4) Reach For Your Opposite Shoulder
Next, move the hand toward the opposite shoulder.
As you do this, the shoulder should pop back into place.
If it does, you should feel immediate relief.
Again, do not push, pull, or tug the arm.
When fully relaxed, the chances of a successful reduction are good.
If reduction efforts do not work, do not panic or force the joint into place.
There could be other problems, such as afractureorruptured connective tissues,interfering with the reduction.
Then, fold the forearm across the abdomen in a 90-degree position.
Seek medical assistance immediately.
Who Needs to Know How to Fix a Dislocated Shoulder?
If you have read this far, you have likely already found yourself with a potentially dislocated shoulder.
Or pass it along to someone in your life who might find themselves needing these instructions one day.
Warning
You should not use shoulder self-reduction to avoid medical care or self-treat recurrent dislocations.
These situations would instead benefit from aproper evaluationand appropriate treatment interventions.
After you reduce your shoulder, seek follow-up medical attention as soon as you’re free to.
National Health Service UK.Dislocated shoulder.
Abrams R, Akbarnia H.Shoulder dislocations overview.
2014;22(12):761-71. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-22-12-761
