Due to the lack of muscular support and possible anatomical peculiarities, the head of the shoulder leaves its socket even under light stress. In this case, the reduction can usually be performed by the patient himself. In the case of traumatic dislocations, the shoulder head must be reduced by a doctor. Imaging procedures rule out frequent concomitant injuries such as cartilage-bone injuries, tears of the cartilage lip at the joint, entrapment of structures or tears of muscles, ligaments or tendons. This is followed by appropriate therapy (surgical or conservative with immobilization) and subsequent physiotherapy.
Therapy/treatment after a shoulder dislocation
The therapy depends on the injury mechanism and the direction of dislocation. In most cases, the shoulder luxates downward and forward. Rarely is the dislocation to the back.
Accompanying injuries such as the tearing off of the tuberculum majus (bony protrusion on the humerus) are also important for further therapy. It is important to reduce the joint as quickly as possible. The joint is then immobilized for some time to ensure healing of the injured structures.
If ligaments or tendons of the rotator cuff are injured, a surgical procedure may be necessary. Rotator cuffs are muscles that tightly surround the joint and stabilize it in its socket. A dislocation can result in the tearing or tearing of muscles, which are then surgically reconstructed.
After successful surgery and subsequent immobilization, a rehabilitative physiotherapeutic treatment is performed, which focuses on mobilizing the joint, strengthening the surrounding muscles and increasing stability. The therapy begins gently and then adapts its intensity to the wound healing condition. In older patients, mobilizing therapy can usually be started earlier, since the risk of a renewed dislocation is less high than in young patients who may be active in sports. For pain relief, the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac is possible, lymph drainage can reduce any swelling in the joint and surrounding tissue and thus relieve pain. The following articles may also be of interest to you: Physiotherapy after a rotator cuff rupture, physiotherapy after shoulder surgery
