
Dislocated
shoulder Introduction
Shoulders
are one of the
most mobile
joints of the
human body and
have the ability
to move in varying
angles. They
can move in
many directions
which means
the shoulder
can dislocate
forward, backward
or downward,
completely or
partially. In
addition, fibrous
tissue that
joins the bones
of your shoulder
(ligaments)
can be stretched
or torn, often
complicating
the dislocation.
This level of
mobility can
leave the shoulders
prone to injury.
A
player suffers
a dislocated
shoulder when
the upper arm
bone comes out
of the socket
that is part
of the shoulder
blade. This
is a more serious
injury than
a shoulder separation
as it involves
the shoulder
socket joint
as opposed to
ligamentous
damage.
Rugby
players can
suffer from
this injury
from a direct
blow from a
tackle or from
a fall after
a powerful tackle.
This sudden
impact pulls
the bones in
the shoulder
out of place
which is called
a dislocation.
If the upper
arm joint is
only partially
out of the socket,
it's called
a subluxation.
Immediate medical
attention should
be given to
a player who
has suffered
this injury.
Dislocated
shoulder Signs
& Symptoms
Dislocated
shoulder symptoms
may include:
•
A visibly deformed
or out of place
shoulder
• Swelling
and bruising
accompanied
by excruciating
pain.
• The
player will
be unable to
move the shoulder
joint
• The
player may complain
of numbness
or a tingling
sensation from
the neck which
can radiate
to the arms,
the shoulder
muscles may
also be in spasm.
Dislocated
shoulder Treatment
A
doctor will
need to put
the shoulder
bones back into
place using
some gentle
manoeuvres.
The player may
be given muscle
relaxants or
a sedative before
this is done
to reduce pain
and swelling.
The
doctor will
then immobilise
the shoulder
using a sling
or shoulder
splint for several
weeks until
the associated
ligaments that
have been damaged
heal. Painkillers
or muscle relaxants
may also be
prescribed.
The sling is
kept on for
about 2 to 3
weeks, during
which time it
is important
that the elbow,
wrist and fingers
are kept moving
to prevent them
stiffening up.
Ice
packs can be
applied to the
injured shoulder
for 20 minutes
every two hours
(never apply
ice directly
to the skin).
A reusable ice
pack will relieve
pain and reduce
bleeding in
the damaged
tissue.
Regaining
your strength
Once the shoulder
splint or sling
is removed a
gradual rehabilitation
programme designed
to restore range
of motion and
strength to
the shoulder
joint will begin.
It is advised
that you avoid
all rugby and
other physical
activities until
you have a full
range of movement
and strength
in the shoulder
joint.
Following a
shoulder dislocation
and shoulder
surgery, many
people find
that a neoprene
shoulder support
helps to provide
added reassurance.
Surgery
If your doctor
can't move your
dislocated shoulder
bones back into
position by
manipulation
then surgical
manipulation
(open reduction)
may be necessary.
The player may
require surgery
if they have
a weak shoulder
joint or ligaments
and tend to
have recurring
shoulder dislocations
(shoulder instability).
In rare cases,
the player may
need surgery
if the nerves
or blood vessels
are damaged
due to the dislocation.
What
you can do
Try these steps
to help ease
discomfort and
encourage healing
after being
treated for
a dislocated
shoulder:
• This
advice is obvious
but you have
to rest
your shoulder.
Do not return
to rugby until
you feel full
strength and
range of movement
in the shoulder
and limit gym
work or any
moderate/heavy
lifting.
• Apply
ice and heat.
Using a reusable
ice pack on
the shoulder
will reduce
inflammation
and pain. This
should be done
every 2-3 hours
for 20 minutes
for the first
48 hours. After
48 hours you
can use a reusable
heat pack which
you warm up
in the microwave
and place on
the shoulder
for 20 minute
durations. This
will help relax
the tightened
sore muscles.

Reusable
hot and cold
pack
- Take
pain relievers.
Over-the-counter
(OTC) non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs),
such as ibuprofen
may help reduce
pain. Seek
advice from
your doctor
before you
commence medication.
- Keep
your muscles
limber.
After one
or two days,
do some gentle
exercises
as directed
by your physiotherapist
to help maintain
your shoulder's
range of motion.
Being completely
inactive can
lead to stiff
shoulder joints.
Once your
injury heals
and you have
good range
of motion
in your shoulder,
continue exercising.
Daily shoulder
stretches
and a balanced
shoulder-strengthening
programme
can help prevent
a recurrence
of dislocation.
A physiotherapist
can help you
plan an appropriate
exercise routine.
Rugby
Rescue Recommends
   
5 Star Rating
Full
Shoulder Support
Used for
dislocated
shoulder,
frozen shoulder,
broken collar
bone, Rotator
Cuff and Acromio-Clavicular
injuries.
Provides support,
therapeutic
heat and shoulder
pain relief.
How
does it work?
Fastens securely
around both
shoulders
with the Velcro
straps to
provide support
and re-assurance
following
a dislocated
shoulder or
injuries to
the Acromio-Clavicular
joint (shoulder
separation).
The warmth
provided by
the neoprene
support can
be very therapeutic
for those
people who
have frozen
shoulder,
shoulder bursitis
or 'Impingement
Syndrome'.
The compression
and warmth
can also provide
pain relief
following
shoulder surgery
or following
a broken Collar
bone. Features
Vulkan's patented
spiral lining
to remove
excess perspiration.
When
can I use
it?
Many elite
athletes such
as football
goalkeepers,
baseball pitchers
and rugby
players and
gymnasts use
this product
to give some
re-assurance
to previously
injured shoulders.
Anytime for
therapeutic
heat and shoulder
pain relief.
View
the Shoulder
Support which
is ideal for
dislocated
shoulder treatment
and prevention
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