A shoulder dislocation happens when the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of its socket in the shoulder blade (scapula). This type of injury can damage nearby tissues—like ligaments or the labrum—making the joint unstable and more likely to dislocate again.
With the right diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation exercises, most people can recover well and regain full function in their shoulder.
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Most shoulder dislocations occur after a fall or sports injury. In about 95% of cases, the top of the arm bone moves forward out of the socket—this is called an anterior dislocation.
Posterior dislocations are much less common (less than 5%). They usually happen after a seizure or an electric shock, when the top of the arm bone moves backward out of the socket.
The shoulder joint is where three bones meet:
The upper arm bone (humerus)
The shoulder blade (scapula)
The collarbone (clavicle)
The main joint affected during a dislocation is the glenohumeral joint, which is a ball-and-socket joint. The “ball” is the top of the humerus, and the “socket” is part of the scapula called the glenoid.
This joint gives the shoulder an amazing range of motion—more than any other joint in the body. However, that flexibility comes at a cost: the shoulder is less stable, which makes dislocations more likely.
People with a dislocated shoulder often experience:
Severe shoulder pain
Limited movement of the arm, often held slightly away from the body with the forearm turned outward
A noticeable change in the shape of the shoulder, especially a loss of the normal roundness over the deltoid muscle (this is called a “step defect”)
Chiropractors are trained to help manage shoulder dislocations. In some cases, they can use gentle techniques to guide the shoulder back into place (a process called reduction). There are different methods for this, but each carries a risk—especially to the nerves and blood vessels in the arm.
That’s why it’s essential to act quickly and carefully. The sooner the shoulder is reduced, the better the outcome and the faster the recovery.
If you think you’ve dislocated your shoulder, seek medical help immediately. Proper care, followed by rehab exercises, will help restore strength, stability, and motion—reducing your risk of future dislocations.
Try these exercises to try eliminate that shrimp posture. 👉 1. Chin Tucks ✅ Stand with your back against a wall, a towel rolled up behind your head, placing it at the level of your ears✅ Gently tuck your chin straight back (not down)✅ Hold for 10-15 seconds✅ Repeat 10x🧠 Tip: You should feel a
McGills Big 3 exercises The Side Plank The Bird-Dog The Curl Up View this post on Instagram A post shared by Isis Chiropractic Centres (@isischiropracticclinic)
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