What is meant by dislocated shoulder? A dislocated shoulder happens when the bones making up the shoulder joint are moved apart(socket and ball) so the shoulder and arm joint no longer
functions in a normal way.
The shoulder is made up of two bones: the ball (humerus) and the socket (scapula). When the
ball of the joint is dislocated from(infront ) the socket, it is called an anterior and when it is dislocated behind the socket, it is called a posterior dislocation. In some cases, ligaments, tendons, and nerves also can be stretched and injured or torn.
How does this happens? The most common dislocation is anterior dislocation. It can happen by a fall onto one's outstretched arm or shoulder or may happen if the arm is forced into an awkward position ,whereas posterior dislocation may occur due to a powerful stright blow to
the front of our shoulder. It may also happen by a violent twisting of the upper arm, which may be caused by an electric shock or seizure. Dislocated shoulders are common among atheletes,children and people who do plenty of manual labour.
What are the symptoms of dislocated shoulder? The main symptom is the shooting pain
shoulder and upper arm that is made worse by movement and is unbearable. Swelling, Heat and lose of function in the arm are common symptoms to shoulder dislocation.
How would you treatment it? After repositioning the head or ball of the joint back into the socket of the shoulder,Once the joint is set the shoulder and the arm should be placed in a sling ( shoulder immobilizer) for couple of weeks.This will aid healing by keeping the arm next to the body and preventing any shoulder movements. We may start with Shoulder rehabilitation exercises during this time. As in case of any injury, the instant treatment should be given to minimize and limit the amount of inflammation by introducing R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) and by giving anti-inflammatory drugs to the patient .
Depending on the severity of the injury of the patient, instant hot & cold treatments,
Ultrasound and electro therapy are most proven ways to hasten recovery.In the later stages
physical therapy is involved to strengthen the limb,
The period of recovery depends on various factors such as age, general health and previous
shoulder injuries of the patient.A complete healing process may vary from one month to three
months according to the severity of the injury .
By When can we return to normal routine work? One may return to our activities when the
injured shoulder has obtained full range of motion without pain and has also regained normal
strength compared to the uninjured shoulder.
What could be done to prevent a dislocation of shoulder? Avoid the situations which may push
you to suffer another dislocation, wear padded shoulder clothes to help cushion any fall that may by chance happen and Do not return to your regular work until you have full recovery of
motion and strength in your arm once again .

Setting the dislocated shoulder:--
Relocate the displaced shoulder see that the patient is comfortable, Now you can begin the manual shoulder relocation. First put the upper arm in its resting position, inverting oneself downward towards the ground.Take it easy and leave yourself loose and feel relaxed .You may bend patient's elbow into his/her chest if it is comfortable for the patient.Now bend the elbow at a ninety degree angle, rotate the injured arm inwards to make a letter "L" or right angle. Then slowly and steadily keep rotating the entire arm and the shoulder outward, trying to keep the upper portion of the arm as stationary as possible by holding it in the cup of your hand. Make a fist with patient's hand so that the movement of the arm could be eased, and then hold on to his wrist and begin to push slowly and steadily. Just when the bottom of patient's arm crosses ninety degree from his chest, the shoulder should fall back into its joint and get set in the socket.the important thing to nate is when you are setting the dislocated shoulder into the socket use a cotton wool ball under the armpit so that fixing could be done in a better way .
Setting a dislocated shoulder is not a comfortable process for the patient and for the one who is setting it.But once it is set you and the patient both would feel relief from this drastic condition.