The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in your body, which makes it susceptible to dislocation. Shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone moves out of its usual position, causing significant damage to the surrounding soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments). Shoulder dislocation can result from a blow to your shoulder – as in participating in sports – or if you fall on your shoulder.

Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include:

• Affected shoulder may appear lower than the uninjured shoulder
• Discoloration through the arm to the hand on the affected side
• Feeling that the shoulder has popped out of joint
• Numbness or tingling in the affected shoulder
• Sudden, severe pain after falling on or receiving a blow to the arm or shoulder
• Swelling and bruising of the shoulder

Our sports medicine team provides the most advanced diagnostics and treatments available to patients with sports-related injuries. Our revolutionary concept in sports medicine brings together a comprehensive team of highly trained medical professionals in a state-of-the-art facility to provide the best care for our patients.

Tests

Physical examination
Your doctor will conduct a complete physical examination and collect your health history to help make a diagnosis.

Imaging
Your doctor may order an imaging test – such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, or computerized tomography (CT) scan – to help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments

Physical therapy
In most cases, your health care provider will prescribe rehabilitation therapy. Our physical therapists establish a unique plan of care that includes specific interventions for your condition and situation to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Medication
Your doctor may recommend ibuprofen or naproxen for pain relief and to decrease inflammation.

Slings and immobilizers
Your specialist may recommend that you use a sling or immobilizer to keep you from lifting your arm away from your chest, so the ligaments can properly heal.

Arthroscopic surgery Our expert team of specialists is board certified and fellowship-trained to manage these problems with minimally invasive approaches (where applicable) for patients with more severely dislocated or separated shoulders. Arthroscopic surgery is a same-day procedure that can be used to reposition bones, repair torn ligaments, and hold the shoulder together.

Why Choose the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute?

World-class care in an academic health system. As a research and teaching institution, we treat children and adults with proven, leading-edge procedures based on clinical studies performed at the Miller School of Medicine. Our doctors, residents, nurses, and therapists work together to create healthy outcomes.