Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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Chat With Us
+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Dislocation of the Shoulder Joint
What is a dislocated shoulder?
A dislocated shoulder happens when the head of the upper arm bone slips out of its socket and remains displaced. This injury often causes pain and restricts movement. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment to help relieve symptoms, restore function, and prevent future dislocations.
How Does a Dislocated Shoulder Happen?
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the forces on the shoulder joint exceed the strength of the supporting muscles and ligaments, causing the head of the arm bone to “pop out” of its socket. This often happens if you fall onto an outstretched hand or receive a direct blow to the shoulder, pushing the ball-shaped end of the arm bone out of place.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder?
The most immediate symptom of a dislocated shoulder is intense pain, typically felt throughout the shoulder and sometimes radiating down the arm. This pain usually makes you hold your arm close to your body for support. You may also have felt or heard a “pop” at the time of injury. Other symptoms include:
- reduced range of movement
- Swelling/Inflamation
- stiffness
- weakness
- numbness
- spasm
What Should I Do If I Have a Dislocated Shoulder?
A shoulder dislocation is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect your shoulder is dislocated, go straight to the nearest accident and emergency department. To help reduce pain and control swelling, you can apply ice to the shoulder—ideally crushed ice wrapped in a damp towel—for up to 20 minutes.
Physiotherapy Treatment for a Dislocated Shoulder
Once your shoulder has been relocated, physiotherapy plays a vital role in your rehabilitation. At Ace Physio Sports, our physiotherapists will assess the extent of tissue damage and provide an estimated healing timeline. During recovery, they will help manage pain and guide you through a structured rehabilitation plan. This often starts with wearing a sling for several weeks, followed by a progressive program of strengthening and stability exercises to restore function and reduce the risk of future dislocations.
Other physiotherapy techniques may include:
- Manipulation / Mobilisation
- Exercise Programmes
- Sports Injury Rehab
- Massage
What Shouldn’t I Do If I Have a Dislocated Shoulder?
If you suspect your shoulder is dislocated, do not attempt to pop the arm bone back into its socket yourself. This procedure must be done by a healthcare professional to avoid causing serious injury to surrounding tissues, which could lead to permanent damage or a longer recovery. Additionally, avoid activities that increase blood flow to the injured area immediately after the injury, such as hot showers, heat rubs, alcohol consumption, and massage. These can worsen swelling and delay healing.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects Following a Dislocated Shoulder?
One of the most common long-term effects is repeated shoulder dislocations. When the shoulder dislocates, the supporting tissues can stretch or tear, reducing joint stability and making future dislocations more likely. In some cases, nerves near the shoulder may be damaged during dislocation, leading to numbness, altered sensation, or muscle weakness, which can prolong recovery. Recovery may also take longer if a bone fracture occurs during the dislocation.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
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