A dislocated shoulder is extremely painful, which is why you need to receive immediate medical treatment should you have any reason to believe you’re suffering from this injury.
Once your medical team runs the necessary diagnostic tests, they can explain your injury and the best way to treat it. Here are some of the most common ways to treat a dislocated shoulder:
- Surgery: While not always necessary, if you have a history of shoulder problems, it may be the best way to fix the issue once and for all.
- Closed reduction: Your doctor may be able to gently maneuver the shoulder back into place.
- Immobilization: With the help of a sling or splint, you can keep your shoulder immobilized for an extended period of time. This gives the injury time to heal.
- Medication: This alone is not typically enough to treat a dislocated shoulder, but the use of a muscle relaxant or pain reliever can provide comfort as you heal.
- Physical therapy: Once you receive initial treatment, you can then partake in physical therapy to strengthen your shoulder in an attempt to regain full mobility and avoid future issues.
If you suffer a shoulder injury on the job, don’t wait to call for help. The sooner you are examined by a medical professional, the better chance you have of making a fast and full recovery.
If your medical team tells you to rest your injury, you may not be able to immediately return to work. This will lead you to learn more about the workers’ compensation system, with the idea of receiving benefits.