What Is the First Treatment for a Shoulder Dislocation?

A dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone moves out of the shoulder socket. The shoulder may look out of place, be difficult to move, and cause intense pain. Nerves, blood vessels, or nearby bones can also be injured, so the joint should not be forced back into position at home.

In a medical setting, examination and imaging may be used to understand the injury. [Shoulder Reduction](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/shoulder-reduction/) restores the joint position using appropriate pain control and clinical technique. The arm may then be supported while healing begins.

Keep the arm still in the most comfortable position and support it with a sling if available. Do not eat or drink while waiting for assessment unless a clinician advises otherwise, because a procedure may be needed. Apply a wrapped cold pack and arrange emergency care promptly.

After reduction, follow instructions about the sling, wound or skin checks, and movement restrictions. [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) helps restore controlled movement and shoulder strength. Repeated dislocations or structural injury may lead to discussion of [Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery](/treatments/sports-and-arthroscopic-surgery/shoulder-stabilisation-surgery/).

Treat a suspected dislocation as urgent, especially when the shoulder is visibly misshapen or the arm cannot move normally. Seek emergency help for a cold or pale hand, absent pulse, numbness, new weakness, severe bleeding, or an associated fall or collision.

Ask whether imaging shows a fracture, how long the shoulder needs support, which movements are restricted, and when rehabilitation should begin to reduce stiffness and recurrence risk.