Signs That You May Have Dislocated Your Shoulder

How the orthopaedic specialists in Manassas and Haymarket, VA, can help with a dislocated shoulder

A dislocated shoulder can dramatically disrupt your life, keeping you from doing your daily activities. It can also cause you sudden, extreme pain. If you dislocate your shoulder, it’s important to seek out treatment from an expert, your orthopaedic doctor. The doctors at Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists can help with a dislocated shoulder. They have convenient office locations in Manassas and Haymarket, VA.

It’s easier than you think to dislocate your shoulder. Car accidents, sports injuries, and other traumatic events can result in your upper arm bone being popped out of the socket of your shoulder blade, causing a dislocated shoulder.

So, how do you know you have a dislocated shoulder? According to the Mayo Clinic, you may have dislocated your shoulder if you have:

• A shoulder that is visibly out of place
• A swollen or bruised shoulder
• Continuous, intense shoulder pain
• Inability to move your shoulder
• Muscle spasms in your shoulder
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness running down your arm

If you have experienced an injury or trauma to your shoulder and you notice any of the signs and symptoms listed above, you should apply ice to your shoulder immediately, and immobilize your shoulder by wearing a sling. You also need to seek out treatment from your orthopaedic specialist as soon as possible.

Your doctor will examine your shoulder and take x-rays or other images. Your doctor will discuss a comprehensive treatment plan with you, designed to relieve your pain, heal your shoulder, and restore your range-of-motion. Your doctor will combine several methods of treatment, including:

• Gentle manual manipulation to realign your shoulder; you may be sedated or given a muscle relaxant during treatment
• Surgical therapy if necessary to repair nerve, muscle, ligament, or tendon damage
• Immobilization with a splint or sling to allow your shoulder to heal
• Medications to reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and relieve pain while you heal
• Physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation to restore your strength and flexibility

If you think you may have dislocated your shoulder, don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own. Seek out help from a professional, your orthopaedic specialist. To find out more about orthopaedic services including treatment for a dislocated shoulder, call the doctors at Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists, with offices in Manassas and Haymarket, VA. Call today at (703) 369-9070!