Dislocated shoulder
Overview
A dislocated shoulder is when your upper arm bone comes out of place from your shoulder socket.
Treatment
If you think you’ve dislocated your shoulder, there are some things you can do while you’re waiting for treatment. gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) to your shoulder for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) to your shoulder for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours put your arm in a sling or use a towel to support the affected arm put your arm in a sling or use a towel to support the affected arm takeparacetamolfor the pain – always follow the dosage advice on the packet takeparacetamolfor the pain – always follow the dosage advice on the packet do not move your upper arm do not move your upper arm do not try to put your arm back in yourself do not try to put your arm back in yourself You will usually have anX-rayto check your shoulder is dislocated. If it is dislocated, a doctor will rotate your arm back into place. You will be given alocal anaestheticor a sedative so you do not feel any pain. Once your arm is back in place, you’ll be given a sling to support your arm Sometimes you may also need surgery to reduce your risk of dislocating the same shoulder again.