What is the common treatment for a dislocated shoulder?

The most common treatment for a dislocated shoulder involves reduction and immobilization followed by rehabilitation. This approach begins with the reduction process, where the dislocated shoulder is carefully manipulated back into its proper position. This is typically done under sedation or anesthesia to relieve pain and ensure a safe procedure.

After the shoulder is successfully reduced, immobilization is crucial to allow the joint to heal while preventing further injury. This is often achieved using a sling or other supportive device to keep the shoulder stable and protect it during the initial healing phase.

Once the immobilization phase is complete and healing has progressed, rehabilitation exercises become important. This step helps restore flexibility, strength, and function to the shoulder, reducing the risk of re-dislocation and aiding in a full recovery.

Other treatment options, such as surgery, are generally reserved for cases where there are associated injuries to the surrounding structures or if there are recurrent dislocations that cannot be managed through conservative treatment. Complete bed rest and hot compresses are not appropriate as they do not address the primary issue of the dislocation itself and may delay recovery.