Shoulder subluxationis a partially dislocated shoulder.
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Shoulder Subluxation: Dislocation or Something Else?
Occasionally, the humeral head comes out of or separates from the glenoid socket.
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If its a partial separation, it is referred to as a shouldersubluxation.
A complete separation is called ashoulder dislocation.
This is because the shoulder may spontaneously reduce or pop back into place shortly after the injury occurs.
As a result, it is possible for a shoulder to feel relatively normal shortly after a subluxation.
Shoulder dislocations, however, sometimes cause a popping sound during the injury.
If left untreated, you have the possibility of getting chronic instability in the shoulder.
In these cases, the joint must be reduced in the emergency room.
A sling is also usually used for several days after the injury to help alleviate the pain.
Exercise
Gentle exercisescan be performed at home to help you heal from a shoulder subluxation.
Isometric exercisesare also useful for reactivating the muscles that support the shoulder joint.
This is done to allow pain levels to diminish and inflammation to subside.
After this period, range-of-motion exercises are usually initiated.
This is often the point when people are referred to physical therapy for more structured rehabilitation.
When this goal is achieved, resistance exercises are typically allowed.
A full recovery from a subluxation may take months, although each persons case is unique.
Likelihood of Repeat Injury
People who experience shoulder subluxation are much more likely to have repeat episodes.
Summary
Subluxation is another word for a partially dislocated shoulder.
This differs from a dislocation, which shows up when the shoulder comes completely out of place.
Occasionally, surgery is needed to prevent injury recurrence.
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