Closed reduction of a dislocated shoulder

A trained clinician uses a controlled technique after checking the arm's pulse, sensation, and movement. Pain medicine, local anaesthetic, or sedation may be offered so tight muscles can relax. The same nerve and circulation checks are repeated afterward, and imaging is commonly used to confirm alignment and assess for bone injury.

The arm is supported while gentle traction and positioning guide the upper arm bone back into the shoulder socket. The exact manoeuvre varies with the direction of dislocation, muscle spasm, and associated injuries. Forceful attempts outside a clinical setting can damage nerves, blood vessels, bone, or soft tissue.

Once the shoulder is located, the clinician tests stability without repeatedly stressing the joint. A sling may limit uncomfortable movement while injured ligaments and muscles settle. A fracture, blocked reduction, or unstable joint may require specialist treatment beyond manipulation.

Wear the sling for the period and in the situations specified by your clinician. Keep the hand, wrist, and elbow moving if you have been told this is safe, but do not lift, reach overhead, or rotate the shoulder beyond your instructions. Take medicines as prescribed and use a wrapped cold pack if this is included in your care plan.

Attend the planned review to check stability, strength, and sensation. Rehabilitation usually progresses from protected motion to muscle control and then task-specific strength. Starting too aggressively can irritate healing tissue, while prolonged unnecessary immobilisation can contribute to stiffness.

Return for emergency assessment if the shoulder becomes visibly out of position, pain abruptly becomes severe, or the arm cannot be supported in its usual position. Leave the arm still and supported; do not ask someone to pull it back into place.

Prompt evaluation is needed if the hand turns pale or blue, feels cold, develops increasing numbness, or becomes newly weak. A very tight sling, rapidly expanding swelling, worsening pain despite the care plan, or fever with redness should also be assessed.

Confirm how long to use the sling, which movements are allowed now, and when rehabilitation should start. Ask whether imaging showed a fracture or other damage, whether the joint remained stable after reduction, and what milestones should come before driving, work duties, or sport.