A shoulder dislocation is more than just a painful event — it’s a significant injury that can affect long-term joint function, stability, and confidence in movement. Whether caused by trauma, sports, or a fall, recovering from a dislocated shoulder requires more than just popping the joint back into place. In this blog, we’ll explore how physiotherapy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process for a dislocated shoulder, from early pain relief to preventing future dislocations.
Dislocated Shoulders: Understanding the Injury and Initial Treatment
A shoulder dislocation occurs whenever the humeral head, which is the arm portion of the shoulder joint, dislodges from the socket, which is part of the scapular bone. This is a very complicated and, unfortunately, a very painful injury to experience.
In cases of a complete dislocation, somebody must help you put the humeral head back into its socket. This is typically done in the early stages of the injury before the tissues begin to stiffen. The longer this is delayed, the more difficult it becomes. In most cases, this must be performed in a hospital by a qualified healthcare professional to avoid exacerbating the issue or causing further damage to sensitive tissues, nerves or blood vessels.
Recovering From a Dislocated Shoulder: The Role of Physiotherapy
Once the initial dislocation has been corrected, physiotherapy is essential for effective rehabilitation. Once you’re ready for the rehabilitation phase, the primary focus of physiotherapy will be pain management, regaining stability, and prevention of further dislocations
- Pain Management: Effective pain relief is essential to allow functional movement and engagement in rehabilitation exercises. Techniques such as ice, manual therapy, and gentle movement help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
- Regaining Stability: One of the main long-term goals of physiotherapy is to stabilize the shoulder to the point where the individual can regain normal function. Exercises are introduced to strengthen the rotator cuff, improve scapular control, and restore proper coordination throughout the shoulder complex.
- Prevention of Recurring Dislocations: It is not uncommon for people to experience multiple dislocations, especially if there were tears to certain stabilizing tissues. Strengthening weakened tissues, addressing joint hypermobility, and correcting faulty movement patterns help reduce the risk of recurring dislocations.
- Returning to Regular Activity: Therapy gradually reintroduces everyday tasks and sport-specific movements, ensuring the shoulder can handle real-world demands without instability or pain. This allows people to get back to performing their daily activities, participating in sports, and living normally.
By addressing each of these areas in a structured and progressive manner, physiotherapy gives people the tools they need for long-term shoulder health and a safe return to activity.
Physiotherapy for a Dislocated Shoulder: The Role of Exercise
Exercise plays a crucial role in the recovery process after a shoulder dislocation. The choice of exercises depends on the individual’s specific condition, such as their pain levels, mobility, and the exact nature of the dislocation. Generally, most of the exercises in a physiotherapy program will focus on stabilizing both the scapulothoracic joint and the glenohumeral joint.
Key exercises often include:
- Range of Motion Work: Gentle movements like pendulum swings help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness early in recovery.
- Isometric Strengthening: These low-strain exercises activate shoulder muscles without moving the joint, ideal for the initial strengthening phase.
- Rotator Cuff Training: Resistance band exercises like external and internal rotations help rebuild the shoulder’s key stabilizers.
- Scapular Control Drills: Exercises such as scapular retractions and wall slides improve coordination between the shoulder blade and arm.
- Functional Progressions: Later-stage movements mimic daily or sport-specific activities to prepare for a safe return to normal routines.
A consistent and guided exercise program ensures that recovery is not only effective but also sustainable in the long run.
How Long Does the Rehabilitation Process Take for a Dislocated Shoulder?
The recovery depends on the severity of the dislocation and whether or not other tissues around the shoulder were also torn or damaged. It also depends on how quickly the individual regains strength and range of motion. Generally, you can expect at least a few months of rehabilitation in order to feel 100%.
A return to everyday tasks may happen relatively quickly, but activities involving overhead movement or contact sports often require a more cautious approach. Your physiotherapist will guide you through a personalized plan to ensure safe, gradual progress. The key is consistency and allowing enough time for the shoulder to rebuild strength and stability.
Complementing Physiotherapy for Dislocated Shoulder: Recommended Lifestyle Changes
Making a few simple lifestyle adjustments can support your recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury as you go through physiotherapy.
- Avoid High-Risk Movements: Limit overhead lifting, reaching behind your back, or pushing heavy objects—especially early in recovery.
- Adjust Sleep Position: Sleep on your back or unaffected side, and use a pillow to support your healing shoulder.
- Improve Ergonomics: Set up your workstation to minimize reaching or awkward arm positions. Keep essential items at waist level.
- Stay Gently Active: Opt for low-impact exercises like walking or cycling to maintain fitness without stressing the shoulder.
- Warm Up and Cool Down: Light mobility and stretching before and after activity can reduce stiffness and promote circulation.
- Stick to Your Home Program: Consistently perform prescribed exercises at home to build strength and prevent setbacks.
These small changes can go a long way in making your physiotherapy more effective and your recovery more stable.
Shoulder Dislocation Recovery: Are You Ready to Return to Normal Activities?
Returning to normal activities after a shoulder dislocation depends largely on the type of activity you’re trying to get back to. The most common type of dislocation, anterior-inferior, can be aggravated by activities that involve bringing the arms overhead and turning the palm backwards, i.e external rotation and abduction. If the activity you wish to return to doesn’t involve these types of movements, you may be able to return to them faster. Always consult your physiotherapist to ensure your shoulder is strong and stable enough before resuming full activity.
Don’t Let Pain Slow You Down
If you’ve experienced a dislocated shoulder, proper rehabilitation can make all the difference in preventing it from happening again. With the right physiotherapy approach, it’s possible to regain strength, stability, and confidence in your shoulder. For a personalized assessment and support tailored to your goals, contact the team at Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation. Let’s help you get back to what you love—stronger and more resilient than before.
