Dislocated Shoulder First Aid

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid – Introduction

This guide provides clear and practical information on Dislocated Shoulder First Aid for people in Canada. It focuses on safe steps you can take at home to help someone with a suspected shoulder dislocation. This is a first aid and prevention resource, not a full medical training manual. The goal is to support quick, safe action while waiting for professional care.

A dislocated shoulder happens when the upper arm bone pops out of its socket. This injury can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. It often results from falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Knowing what to do right away can reduce pain and prevent further damage.

In this section, you will learn:

• What signs suggest a shoulder dislocation
• Safe first aid steps to take at home
• What actions to avoid to prevent harm
• When to call 911 or go to the emergency department or urgent care

Always remember, if the person has severe pain, numbness, weakness, or if the injury happened after a serious accident, call 911 immediately. Do not try to move or reset the shoulder yourself. Proper medical assessment and treatment are essential for recovery and to avoid complications.

Medically reviewed by SASI medical review Board.

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid – Key facts

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. It is a painful injury that needs careful first aid and prompt medical attention.

• Recognize the signs: Severe shoulder pain, visible deformity, swelling, and inability to move the arm are common symptoms of a dislocated shoulder.
• Do not try to pop it back in: Attempting to relocate the shoulder yourself can cause more damage to nerves, blood vessels, or surrounding tissues.
• Immobilize the arm: Use a sling or support the arm against the body to prevent movement and reduce pain while waiting for medical help.
• Apply ice: Place a cold pack wrapped in a cloth on the shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes every hour to reduce swelling and pain. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
• Seek urgent care: Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if there is severe pain, numbness, weakness, or if the arm looks deformed.
• Aftercare: Follow medical advice carefully after treatment to prevent further injury and support healing.
• Prevention: Strengthening shoulder muscles and using proper techniques during sports or heavy lifting can help reduce the risk of dislocation.

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid – Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of its socket. Recognizing symptoms early helps you provide the right first aid and know when to seek urgent care.

Typical symptoms

• Intense pain around the shoulder joint
• Visible deformity or out-of-place shoulder
• Swelling or bruising
• Inability to move the arm or shoulder
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand

Mild, moderate, and severe symptoms

Mild symptoms may include discomfort and slight swelling but some movement is still possible.

Moderate symptoms involve significant pain, limited movement, and noticeable swelling or bruising.

Severe symptoms include intense pain, complete loss of shoulder movement, visible deformity, and numbness or weakness in the arm or hand.

Red flags: When to call 911 or go to emergency care

• Severe pain that does not improve with rest
• Obvious deformity or bone protruding through the skin
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand
• Loss of pulse in the arm or hand
• Signs of shock such as pale skin, sweating, or fainting

If any of these red flags appear, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not try to move or reposition the shoulder yourself.

For less severe symptoms, keep the arm supported and immobilized, apply ice, and seek urgent care or a healthcare provider’s assessment as soon as possible.

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid – Immediate first aid steps

If you suspect a dislocated shoulder, act quickly but calmly. Immediate first aid can reduce pain and prevent further injury while waiting for medical help.

What you can do safely at home or in the community

• Keep the person still and support the injured arm in the position it was found. Use a sling or a folded cloth to immobilize the arm against the body.
• Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to the shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps reduce swelling and pain. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
• Encourage the person to breathe deeply and stay calm to avoid muscle tension around the shoulder.
• Offer over-the-counter pain relief such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the person has no allergies or contraindications.

What to avoid

• Do not try to pop the shoulder back into place. This can cause serious damage to nerves, blood vessels, or bones.
• Avoid moving the arm unnecessarily or forcing it into any position.
• Do not give the person anything to eat or drink if they may need sedation or surgery later.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

• Call 911 immediately if the person has severe pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of pulse in the arm or hand.
• Seek emergency department care if the shoulder looks deformed, the person cannot move the arm, or if there is heavy bleeding or an open wound.
• If symptoms are less severe but a dislocated shoulder is suspected, go to urgent care or the emergency department promptly for professional assessment and treatment.

Following these immediate first aid steps for dislocated shoulder first aid can help protect the injured person until medical professionals take over.

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid – What NOT to do

When dealing with a dislocated shoulder first aid situation, certain actions can make the injury worse. Avoid these common mistakes to protect yourself or others until professional help arrives.

Do NOT try to pop the shoulder back in place

Attempting to relocate the shoulder yourself can cause further damage to nerves, blood vessels, or surrounding tissues. Only trained medical professionals should perform this procedure.

Do NOT move the injured arm excessively

Moving the arm too much can increase pain and worsen the injury. Keep the arm as still as possible and support it in a comfortable position.

Do NOT apply heat or massage the area

Heat or massage can increase swelling and bleeding. Instead, use cold packs wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain.

Do NOT ignore severe symptoms

• Intense pain that does not improve
• Visible deformity or abnormal shoulder shape
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand
• Signs of shock such as pale skin, sweating, or fainting

If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid – When to call 911 or seek urgent care

If you suspect a dislocated shoulder, it is important to know when to call 911, visit the emergency department, or see a family doctor or walk-in clinic. Prompt and appropriate care can prevent complications and reduce pain.

Call 911 immediately if:

• The person has severe pain that does not improve with rest.
• There is obvious deformity or the shoulder looks out of place.
• The arm or hand is numb, weak, or cold to touch.
• There is heavy bleeding or an open wound near the shoulder.
• The person feels faint, dizzy, or has difficulty breathing.
• The injury happened after a fall from a height or a serious accident.

Go to the emergency department if:

• The shoulder is visibly dislocated but there are no life-threatening symptoms.
• The person cannot move the arm or shoulder at all.
• There is swelling, bruising, or intense pain that worsens.
• You are unsure if the injury is a dislocation or a fracture.

See a family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic if:

• The pain is mild to moderate and the shoulder can move with some discomfort.
• There is no numbness, weakness, or deformity.
• The injury happened several days ago and symptoms are improving.

Remember, for any signs of a dislocated shoulder first aid should focus on immobilizing the arm and avoiding movement until professional help is available. Do not try to pop the shoulder back in yourself. When in doubt, seek urgent care to ensure safe treatment.

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid – Ongoing care and follow-up

After a dislocated shoulder, ongoing care is important to support healing and prevent further injury. You can safely manage some aspects of recovery at home, but you must watch for signs that need urgent medical attention.

Monitoring and self-care at home

Keep the shoulder supported with a sling or immobilizer as advised by your healthcare provider. Apply ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and pain. Rest the arm and avoid lifting heavy objects or sudden movements.

Gentle range-of-motion exercises may be recommended once pain decreases, but do not force any movement that causes discomfort.

What to avoid

• Do not try to pop the shoulder back into place yourself.
• Avoid activities that put strain on the shoulder until cleared by a doctor.
• Do not ignore increasing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand.

When to seek medical follow-up

Book a follow-up appointment with your doctor or a specialist within one to two weeks after the injury. They will check for proper healing and may recommend physiotherapy.

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if you notice:

• Severe pain that worsens despite pain relief
• Loss of feeling or movement in the arm or hand
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or fever
• Shoulder looks deformed or dislocated again

Careful monitoring and timely follow-up are key parts of effective Dislocated Shoulder First Aid. Always prioritise safety and seek professional care when needed.

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid – Prevention tips

Preventing a dislocated shoulder first aid situation starts with awareness and simple safety habits. Whether at home, work, school, or in the community, taking steps to protect your shoulders can reduce the risk of injury.

Safe habits at home and work

• Avoid lifting heavy objects above shoulder level without proper support.
• Use ergonomic tools and workstations to reduce strain on your shoulders.
• Keep floors clear of clutter to prevent slips and falls that could cause shoulder injuries.
• When carrying loads, distribute weight evenly to avoid sudden jerks or imbalance.

School and community safety

• Encourage children and adults to wear protective gear during sports or physical activities.
• Teach proper techniques for catching, throwing, and falling safely to reduce shoulder impact.
• Ensure playgrounds and sports areas have soft surfaces to cushion falls.

Environmental changes

• Install handrails on stairs and in bathrooms to provide extra support.
• Improve lighting in all areas to prevent trips and falls.
• Use non-slip mats in wet or slippery areas.

Remember, if you suspect a dislocated shoulder, do not try to move or pop it back into place. Immobilize the arm and seek urgent medical care. Call 911 if there is severe pain, numbness, or difficulty moving the arm.

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid – FAQs

What should I do if I suspect a dislocated shoulder?

If you think your shoulder is dislocated, keep the arm still and supported. Use a sling or a soft cloth to hold the arm close to your body. Avoid trying to move or pop the shoulder back into place. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling. Seek urgent medical care as soon as possible.

When should I call 911 or go to the emergency department?

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you experience:

• Severe pain that does not improve with rest
• Visible deformity or the arm looks out of place
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Signs of shock such as pale skin, sweating, or confusion

Can I treat a dislocated shoulder at home?

At home, you can support the arm with a sling and apply ice to reduce pain and swelling. Rest and avoid moving the shoulder. Do not attempt to relocate the shoulder yourself. Always seek professional medical assessment to prevent further injury.

How can I prevent a shoulder dislocation in the future?

To reduce the risk of dislocation, strengthen shoulder muscles with safe exercises, avoid high-risk activities without proper training, and use protective gear during sports. Warm up before physical activity and maintain good posture.

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid – Summary

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid focuses on safely managing the injury at home while knowing when to seek urgent medical help. If you suspect a dislocated shoulder, avoid trying to move or pop the joint back into place yourself. Instead, keep the arm supported and still to prevent further damage.

Here is what you can do safely at home:

• Immobilize the arm using a sling or a makeshift support.
• Apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain.
• Encourage the person to rest and avoid using the injured shoulder.

What you must NOT do:

• Do not attempt to relocate the shoulder yourself.
• Do not apply heat or massage the injured area.
• Do not ignore severe pain, numbness, or changes in skin colour.

Call 911 or local emergency services immediately if the person experiences:

• Severe pain that worsens quickly.
• Loss of feeling or movement in the arm or hand.
• Signs of shock, such as pale skin, sweating, or confusion.

For less severe cases, go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care centre for professional assessment and treatment. Prompt medical care helps prevent complications and supports proper healing.

Dislocated Shoulder First Aid – External Resources

• Health Canada
• Mayo Clinic – Shoulder Dislocation
• World Health Organization – Injuries and Violence
• Canadian Red Cross – First Aid

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.