Physiotherapy for Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder dislocation happens when direct or indirect force is applied to the shoulder. It can occur with repetitive overhead movements, often seen in sports. Physiotherapy offers a great approach for relief from shoulder dislocation. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process too following a shoulder dislocation. The goals of physiotherapy are to reduce pain, restore mobility, strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, improve stability, and prevent future dislocations.

There are two kinds of shoulder dislocations: Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocation and Traumatic Posterior Dislocation.

At Curezone Physiotherapy, our expert physiotherapists specialize management of shoulder dislocations. We focus on restoring full range of motion and strength in the shoulder joint, using a combination of modalities, joint mobilization, manual stretching, and strengthening exercises.

Anterior Shoulder Dislocation (Week 1-4):

Goal: Full passive range of motion, active range of motion within 20 degrees of shoulder

Modalities, such as STEM, laser, and ultrasound are used to control and decrease pain/muscle guarding/inflammation

Joint mobilization of glenohumeral joint (may include anterior glides)

Isotonic movements (flexion, extension, internal/external rotation, external rotation in the plane of the scapula)

Pain-free active range of motion including cervical/elbow/wrist ROM Week 4-6

Manual stretching into external rotation to 60 degrees and 90 degrees (based on patient tolerance)

Continue isotonic exercises

Add strengthening exercises for deltoids (Week 7 to Discharge):

Manual stretching into external rotation to 90 degrees of abduction.

Home exercise program to include comprehensive isotonic strengthening program

Immediate Help through Physiotherapy for Shoulder Dislocation:

If you dislocated your shoulder, click below to book an appointment with one of our expert physiotherapists to let us immediately start assisting you in getting you back into your game.

Mississauga:

Physiotherapy Clinic Mississauga – Curezone Physiotherapy, Heartland Mississauga.

Physiotherapy Clinic Erin Mills – Curezone Physiotherapy, Erin Mills Mississauga.

Oakville:

Physiotherapy Clinic Oakville – Curezone Physiotherapy, Burloak Oakville.