Shoulder Dislocation

Glenoid Labrum Tear | Bankart Tear | SLAP Tear

Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder dislocation refers to the displacement of the humeral head (the bone of the upper arm) from the glenoid cavity of the shoulder joint, leading to impaired joint function. This condition is usually accompanied by severe pain and functional impairment, and may require medical intervention to restore normal positioning.

Glenoid Labrum Tear

A glenoid labrum tear refers to damage sustained to the labrum of the shoulder joint, which is a fibrocartilaginous structure located at the edge of the glenoid cavity, increasing joint stability. This injury can result from overuse of the shoulder joint, external impact, or dislocation.

Causes of Shoulder Dislocation

Trauma: Commonly occurs in sports or accidents, such as falls, impacts, or sudden pulls.
Overuse: Prolonged participation in high-intensity sports (e.g., throwing sports) may increase the risk of dislocation.
Congenital Factors: Some individuals may have naturally looser shoulder joints, making them more prone to dislocation.

Symptoms of Shoulder Dislocation

Severe Pain: Shoulder pain is usually very intense and may radiate down the arm.
Obvious Deformity: The appearance of the shoulder may look abnormal, with the humeral head protruding either forward or backward.
Limited Mobility: The range of motion in the shoulder is significantly reduced, making movement nearly impossible.
Swelling and Bruising: Surrounding tissues may swell or show bruising.
Instability: A sensation of shoulder instability, possibly feeling as if it might “fall out.”

Physiotherapy for Shoulder Dislocation

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in restoring shoulder function and reducing the risk of future injuries after a dislocation. The goals of physical therapy are to alleviate pain, restore range of motion, strengthen muscles, and improve shoulder joint stability. Common physical therapy methods include:

TCM Treatment for Shoulder Dislocation

From a TCM perspective, low back pain is related to kidney deficiency or stagnation of Qi and blood stasis. Common TCM treatments include:

Internal medicine: Herbs can be used for internal consumption and topical application to promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, relieve pain, and accelerate healing.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is a commonly used method in Chinese medicine, promoting qi and blood circulation, reducing swelling and pain, and restoring function by needling specific meridians and acupoints.
Orthopedic Reduction: It is a significant treatment method in Chinese medicine, using manual techniques to open up meridians and promote blood flow, helping to restore normal shoulder function
Tid Da Jou: Various herbal plasters or ointments can be applied to the injured area to achieve anti-swelling and pain-relieving effects.

FAQ

When do I need to get an MRI scan?

Whether to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after a shoulder dislocation depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the persistence of symptoms, and the clinical assessment results. Here are some situations that may warrant an MRI:

Suspected Labrum Tear or Other Soft Tissue Injuries: If there is persistent shoulder pain, limited mobility, or instability after dislocation, and there is suspicion of a labrum tear or other soft tissue injuries, an MRI can help confirm these conditions.
Persistent Pain and Functional Impairment: If pain and functional limitations persist after a period of conservative treatment (e.g., rest, physical therapy), MRI can help rule out potential structural injuries.
Evaluation of Symptoms Following Acute Injury: If there is severe pain, swelling, and significantly limited range of motion after dislocation, this may indicate the need for further imaging to assess the integrity of the shoulder joint.
Suspected Fractures or Other Injuries: If a physician suspects fractures or other injuries accompanying the dislocation, such as a humeral head fracture, MRI can provide more detailed images to assist in diagnosis.

How to Train to Avoid Shoulder Dislocation Again

Training to prevent future shoulder dislocations primarily focuses on strengthening the muscles around the shoulder, enhancing stability, and improving flexibility and coordination. Here are some effective training methods and recommendations:

Shoulder Stability Training

Rotator Cuff Strengthening: The rotator cuff is crucial for shoulder stability. Here are some exercises:
External Rotation: Use an elastic band or light dumbbell, keep the elbow fixed at the side of the body, bend the arm at a 90-degree angle, and slowly rotate the arm outward.
Internal Rotation: Similarly, using an elastic band or light dumbbell, keep the elbow fixed at the side of the body, bend the arm at a 90-degree angle, and slowly rotate the arm inward.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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Shoulder Dislocation