Physical Therapy for a Dislocated Shoulder
When it comes to shoulder injuries, a dislocated shoulder is one of the most common injuries there is. No one wants to dislocate their shoulder, especially not an athlete, but if you do find yourself in the position with a dislocated shoulder, it is important to get on the right road to recovery. Physical therapy is a great way to to get your shoulder back to the way it should be (literally) after a dislocation.
When your shoulder becomes dislocated what is actually happening is that it is moving out of its normal position and coming out of its socket. Your humerus bone and scapula fit perfectly together and when a trauma causes your humerus bone to slip out of position is when it becomes dislocated. Dislocations can occur when you fall on your shoulder or arm the wrong way or if you have loose ligaments. Dislocations can cause damage to various parts of the shoulder but that is where your team of doctors, including a physical therapist, will come in to help. You may experience pain at the time of the injury and after you will most likely not be able to move your arm but these are all temporary symptoms to a shoulder dislocation. Unfortunately, your humerus bone will remain out of its socket until a physical therapist or doctor is seen in order to put it back into place, but once it is back in place you will be on the road to recovery.
When you first see a healthcare professional after dislocating your shoulder they will put your arm into a sling so that you can begin the healing process. You will remain in the sling for about 1-3 weeks so that you do not do further damage to your shoulder. Your physical therapist will start by providing you with an ice routine so that you can take care of any inflammation that has occurred. After that step, your physical therapist will examine you and begin a treatment plan that is specific for your needs. Different things that a physical therapist may do with you are strengthening exercises, sport-specific training, or muscle re-training. All of these exercises will be done with your needs in mind to make sure that they are able to get you back to where you need to be in no time!
If you suffer from a dislocated shoulder, enlist the help of a physical therapist so that you can take care of this injury right away. A shoulder dislocation is a pain, not only for athletes but for everyone and it is important to make sure that you are taking the appropriate steps in taking care of it!
Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy at (516) 798-3789 today!
