How effective is physiotherapy for shoulder dislocation?

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone moves out of the socket. After it has been repositioned and checked, rehabilitation usually protects healing tissues first, then gradually restores comfortable range of motion. Later work may target the rotator cuff, shoulder-blade muscles, trunk control and coordination so the joint responds better during reaching or sport. The programme depends on whether this was a first event, whether tissue or bone was injured, and whether surgery was needed. Pushing into unstable positions too early can delay recovery, so the treating team sets the progression.

Attend the follow-up recommended after reduction and use the sling only as instructed. Begin exercises at the stage given by your clinician; early movements may be limited to the hand, wrist, elbow or carefully supported shoulder motion. Do not test the joint by forcing the position in which it dislocated. As strength returns, practise control rather than lifting heavier loads for its own sake. Tell the therapist about clicking with apprehension, slipping sensations, increasing pain or numbness, and ask when driving, work, swimming or contact sport can resume.

Get urgent help if the shoulder appears out of place again, the arm becomes cold or changes colour, or you develop new weakness, numbness or severe pain. After an injury, inability to move the arm or marked swelling also needs prompt assessment. Do not try to force the shoulder back into position yourself. Recurrent slipping, fear of ordinary movement or worsening symptoms during rehabilitation should be reviewed by an orthopaedic clinician.

Ask what structures were injured, which shoulder positions to avoid, when strengthening can start and how stability will be tested. Clarify the sling plan, sleep positions, return-to-work demands and whether recurrent instability warrants a specialist opinion.