A shoulder dislocation is an injury where the head of the humerus (arm bone) pops out of its socket, this injury occurs most commonly in contact sports like Gaelic football and rugby.
Signs and symptoms:
- Severe shoulder pain
- The shoulder is obviously out of place.
- Holding the arm protectively against the chest
It is important that it be seen quickly by a qualified medical professional to manipulate the arm back into the socket, so as to reduce the risk of damage to the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the joint.
Physiotherapy is usually started after 2-3 weeks of immobilisation in a sling. The aim of treatment is to; restore stability and strength in the rotator cuff muscles around the shoulder and improve movement.