I Dislocated My Shoulder – Now What?

Posted on: April 23rd, 2025 by Our Team

Shoulder dislocations are a common injury, particularly among younger individuals who participate in contact sports, skiing, or snowboarding. These high-speed activities and falls can put significant stress on the shoulder joint, leading to dislocation. If you’ve just dislocated your shoulder, it’s important to know what to do next to ensure the best recovery and avoid long-term problems.

What Happens When You Dislocate Your Shoulder?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, but that mobility comes at the cost of stability. Nearly 95% of shoulder dislocations are anterior dislocations, meaning the ball of the shoulder (humeral head) pops out toward the front. This typically happens when the arm is positioned away from the body, behind you, and rotated outward—putting extreme pressure on the front of the shoulder joint.

Step 1: Getting Your Shoulder Back in Place (Reduction)

When a dislocation occurs, the priority is to reduce the shoulder—meaning putting it back in place. If the shoulder goes back into place on its own or is easily reduced, an emergency room visit may not be necessary. However, if there is continued significant pain, an obvious deformity, or limited motion, an urgent care or ER visit is crucial. An X-ray should be performed to confirm the shoulder is back in its correct position and to check for any fractures.

Step 2: Seeing an Orthopedic Surgeon

Even if your shoulder is back in place, seeing an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible is important for a full evaluation and imaging. The reason? Shoulder dislocations frequently cause structural damage, especially in younger patients.

What Happens If You’re Under 40?

If you’re under 40, especially under 20 and playing sports, a shoulder dislocation almost always tears the labrum—the ring of cartilage that deepens and stabilizes the socket. Once the labrum is torn, the risk of another dislocation increases significantly.

• Young contact athletes (under 20): The risk of re-dislocation is very high. In many cases, surgical labrum repair is recommended to restore stability and prevent further dislocations.
• Recreational athletes in their 30s or 40s: A trial of physical therapy is often the first step to strengthen the rotator cuff and stabilize the joint. However, if repeated dislocations occur, surgery should be considered to prevent long-term damage.

Why Is Recurrent Dislocation a Problem?

Every time the shoulder dislocates, there is a risk of:

• Cartilage damage, which can lead to early arthritis.
• Progressive instability, making it easier for the shoulder to pop out again.
• Long-term functional issues, affecting sports performance and daily activities.

Step 3: If You’re Over 40—Check Your Rotator Cuff!

For patients over 40, the biggest concern after a shoulder dislocation isn’t necessarily the labrum—it’s the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that help move and stabilize the shoulder:

• Supraspinatus
• Infraspinatus
• Subscapularis
• Teres minor

A shoulder dislocation in an patient’s over 40 can lead to a rotator cuff tear, which is often more significant than a labral injury. If this happens and goes untreated, the humeral head (ball of the shoulder) can shift abnormally, leading to poor mechanics, persistent pain, and early arthritis.

That’s why, if you’re over 40 and experience a shoulder dislocation, an MRI is critical to evaluate the rotator cuff. If a tear is found, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon before further damage occurs.

Step 4: Recovery and Prevention

Regardless of age, the best way to recover and prevent future dislocations is to focus on physical therapy and strengthening the muscles that stabilize the shoulder.

• Younger athletes: If surgery is needed, pre and post-op rehab will focus on restoring motion and strength before returning to sports.
• Older athletes: If the rotator cuff is intact, physical therapy can help regain strength and avoid surgery.

If you’ve suffered a shoulder dislocation and want expert advice on the next steps, contact our office 310-310-2729 for an evaluation. The right treatment plan now can help prevent long-term damage and keep you active for years to come!