Shoulder Subluxation

What is a shoulder subluxation?

A shoulder subluxation is a temporary, partial dislocation of the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball of the upper arm bone is normally held in the socket of the shoulder blade by a group of ligaments. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect the bones. In a subluxation, the ball of the upper arm bone slips partially out of the shoulder socket.

How does it occur?

A shoulder subluxation can be caused by:

• A fall onto your outstretched arm.
• A direct blow to your shoulder.
• Having your arm forced into an awkward position.

If you have had a previous injury or if your shoulder ligaments are naturally loose, you may sublux your shoulder doing simple activities like throwing or putting on a jacket.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include:

• The feeling that your shoulder has gone "in and out of joint."
• Looseness in your shoulder joint.
• Pain, weakness, or numbness in your shoulder or arm.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Many times the diagnosis of a shoulder subluxation is based on your description of the injury. Your shoulder may partially slip out of joint during the exam. You may have X-rays to check for broken bones.

How is it treated?

To treat this condition:

• Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables, wrapped in a cloth on the area every 3 to 4 hours, for up to 20 minutes at a time.
• Take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen, or other medicine as directed by your provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, do not take for more than 10 days.
• Avoid activities that cause pain.

The best treatment for the shoulder looseness that causes a subluxation is shoulder strengthening exercises. If your shoulder continues to sublux and cause pain and other symptoms, you may need surgery to correct the joint looseness.

How long will the effects last?

The length of recovery depends on many factors such as your age, health, and if you have had a previous shoulder injury. If the subluxation has caused damage to structures inside your shoulder, your recovery will take longer. If your shoulder has become loose and subluxes easily, you will need ongoing rehabilitation and may need surgery.

When can I return to my normal activities?

Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. Return to your activities depends on how soon your shoulder recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury has occurred. The goal of rehabilitation is to return to your normal activities as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury.

You may safely return to your activities when:

• Your injured shoulder has full range of motion without pain.
• Your injured shoulder is as strong as the uninjured shoulder.

How can I prevent a shoulder subluxation?

Shoulder subluxations are often caused by accidents that you cannot prevent. It is important to keep your shoulders strong, especially if you have had a previous shoulder injury.