First Aid & Emergencies

Shoulder Dislocation Treatment

• The injury was caused by a severe blow.
• The person's pulse is weak or the arm and hand are numb, cold, pale, or blue.

1. Go to a Hospital Emergency Room

2. Immobilize Shoulder

• Do not force arm to move.
  
• Place pillow or rolled blanket between upper arm and chest.
  
• Wrap towel around the person's upper body to bind arm to it.
  
• Otherwise, if comfortable to do so, put the affected forearm in a sling with elbow at 90° angle.

3. Control Swelling

• Apply ice pack for 20 minutes 4 to 8 times a day. Do not place ice directly against the skin.

4. Follow Up

• The doctor may manipulate the shoulder to put it back in place.

• The doctor may recommend wearing a sling for several weeks.

• Give medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain and swelling.  Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs if the person has heart failure or kidney failure.
  
• If shoulder continues to dislocate, surgery may be required.