What is Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder dislocation happens when your upper arm bone moves out of its normal place in your shoulder joint.

Your shoulder joint is made up of 3 bones:

• The upper arm bone (humerus).
• The shoulder blade (scapula).
• The collarbone (clavicle).

Follow these instructions at home:

If you have a splint or sling:

• Wear it as told by your doctor.
• Take it off only as told by your doctor.
• Loosen it if:
  • Your fingers become numb and tingly.
  • Your fingers turn cold and blue.
• Keep it clean and dry.

Bathing

• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your doctor says you can. Ask your doctor if you can take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths.
• If your doctor says taking baths or showers is okay, cover your splint or sling with a plastic bag. Do not let the splint or sling get wet.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• If told, put ice on the injured area.
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
• Move your fingers often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.
• Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.

Driving

• Do not drive while you are wearing a splint or sling on a hand that you use for driving.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking pain medicine.

Activity

• Return to your normal activities as told by your doctor. Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you.
• Do range-of-motion exercises only as told by your doctor.
• Exercise your hand by squeezing a soft ball. This keeps your hand and wrist from getting stiff and swollen.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Do not use any tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. Tobacco can slow down healing. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your splint or sling gets damaged.

Get help right away if:

• Your pain gets worse instead of better.
• You lose feeling in your arm or hand.
• Your arm or hand turns white and cold.