Shoulder Dislocation: Symptoms, Treatment, and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Reviewed by the Physiotherapy Team at Waterloo Sports Medicine Centre 

What Is Shoulder Dislocation? 

The shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body due to its wide range of motion and relatively shallow socket. It occurs when the ball of the upper arm bone (humeral head) comes completely out of the shoulder socket (glenoid). It often causes severe pain and immediate loss of shoulder function.  

Common Signs and Symptoms 

• Sudden, severe shoulder pain  

• A visible deformity or "squared-off" appearance of the shoulder  

• Inability to move the arm normally  

• Swelling and bruising around the shoulder  

• Weakness in the affected arm  

• Numbness or tingling if nearby nerves are affected  

• A feeling that the shoulder is unstable or "out of place"

What Causes a Shoulder Dislocation? 

Shoulder dislocations are usually caused by a traumatic injury that forces the shoulder beyond its normal range of motion. 

• Falls onto an outstretched hand  

• Contact sports such as hockey, football, rugby, or basketball  

• High-speed collisions or motor vehicle accidents  

• Skiing, snowboarding, or cycling accidents  

• Forceful overhead movements  

Who Is at Risk? 

• Participation in contact or overhead sports  

• Previous shoulder dislocation  

• Younger age (particularly under 30 years)  

• Male sex  

• Joint laxity or generalized hypermobility  

• High-energy trauma

Once someone has experienced a shoulder dislocation, the risk of another dislocation is much higher, particularly in younger athletes

How Is a Shoulder Dislocation Diagnosed? 

A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and ask about how the injury occurred. 

Diagnosis typically includes: 

• Physical examination  

• X-rays to confirm the dislocation and rule out fractures  

• MRI if there is concern for injuries to the labrum, ligaments, or rotator cuff  

• CT scans in some cases involving fractures or recurrent instability

How Can Physiotherapy Help? 

Physiotherapy is an important part of recovery following a shoulder dislocation, whether treatment involves immobilization alone or surgery. Your physiotherapist may include: 

• Pain and swelling management  

• Gentle range-of-motion exercises  

• Progressive strengthening of the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles  

• Balance and proprioception training  

• Sport- or work-specific rehabilitation  

• Education on safely returning to activity  

  
  

The goals of physiotherapy are to restore shoulder mobility, improve stability, rebuild strength, and reduce the likelihood of future dislocations. A structured rehabilitation program is particularly important for younger individuals and athletes, who have the highest risk of recurrent instability.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention? 

• Severe shoulder pain after a fall or sports injury  

• A shoulder that appears visibly out of place  

• Inability to move your arm  

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand  

• A shoulder that repeatedly feels unstable or slips out of place  

A shoulder dislocation should never be forced back into place yourself, as this can damage nerves, blood vessels, or surrounding tissues. 

Looking for Shoulder Dislocation Treatment in Kitchener-Waterloo? 

 At Waterloo Sports Medicine Centre, our experienced physiotherapists provide personalized, evidence-based treatment for shoulder dislocations, sports injuries, and other shoulder conditions. Book an appointment today to begin your recovery and get back to work, sport, and the activities you enjoy!