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Writer's pictureShruti Seth

"Shoulder dislocation? Osteopathy offers non-surgical solutions for a speedy recovery."

Osteopathy is a physical manual therapy that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and aims to promote and restore balance and harmony within the body by addressing the underlying musculoskeletal imbalances that may have contributed to the dislocation.


During a shoulder dislocation, the joint may be pulled out of its socket, resulting in damage to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the joint.


Osteopathy treatment can help in the following ways:

  1. Pain relief: Osteopathy can help to reduce pain and discomfort associated with shoulder dislocations by using techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, stretching and myofascial release technique.

  2. Improving range of motion: Shoulder dislocations can result in restricted range of motion in the joint. Osteopathic treatment can help to improve joint mobility, allowing for greater range of motion and increased functionality.

  3. Addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances: Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, by assessing the entire musculoskeletal system to identify any underlying imbalances that may have contributed to the shoulder dislocation to prevent future dislocations.

  4. Supporting the healing process: Osteopathic treatment can also help to support the healing process by promoting blood flow to the injured area, reducing inflammation, and supporting the body's natural healing mechanisms.

  5. Address postural imbalances: Osteopaths can identify and address any postural imbalances or movement patterns that may be contributing to the shoulder dislocation eg: cervical spondylosis leading to tension in the base of the cranium, shoulder muscles, scapular restrictions, migraine, eye symptoms.



After a shoulder dislocation, it's important to take the necessary PRECAUTIONS to prevent further injury and promote healing. Here are some precautions you should take:

  1. Immobilize the shoulder: The first step is to immobilize the shoulder joint. This can be done with a sling or immobilizer brace, to prevent any unnecessary movement.

  2. Rest the shoulder: It's important to avoid any activities that could put stress on the shoulder joint, including heavy lifting or overhead activities for the joint to heal.

  3. Apply ice: Apply ice for 20 minutes 3-4 times a day to reduce swelling.

  4. Take pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

  5. Attend PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OSTEOPATHY : It can help to strengthen the shoulder and prevent future dislocations. An OSTEOPATH can create a customized exercise plan to meet your specific needs.

  6. Avoid sudden movements: It's important to avoid any sudden movements or jerky motions that could put stress on the shoulder joint.

  7. Avoid sleeping on the affected side: Sleeping on the affected side can aggravate the injury and slow down the healing process. It is best to sleep on your back or the unaffected side.

  8. Follow-up with a doctor: It's important to follow-up with a doctor or healthcare provider to ensure that the shoulder is healing properly and to address any ongoing issues or concerns.


If you have experienced a shoulder dislocation, it's important to follow a SPECIFIC EXERCISE PROTOCOL to help stabilize and strengthen your shoulder joint. Here is a general exercise protocol for shoulder dislocation:

Phase 1: Rest and Recovery

  • Rest your shoulder for a few days to allow the tissues to heal.

  • Use ice therapy to reduce pain and swelling.


Phase 2: Range of Motion Exercises

  • Begin with gentle range of motion exercises, such as shoulder circles and pendulum swings, to gradually improve mobility.

  • Gradually progress to more challenging range of motion exercises, such as shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.


Phase 3: Strengthening Exercises

  • Once you have achieved a full range of motion, you can begin to incorporate strengthening exercises into your routine.

  • Start with light resistance and gradually increase the weight as your strength improves.

  • Focus on exercises that target the rotator cuff muscles, such as external rotation and internal rotation exercises.

  • Incorporate exercises that also work the scapular stabilizers, such as rows, pull-ups, and push-ups can help prevent future dislocations.


Phase 4: Functional Activities

  • As you progress, you can begin to incorporate functional activities into your routine, such as throwing a ball or lifting weights mimic activities of daily living, such as reaching overhead, pushing, pulling, and lifting.

  • Remember to use proper form and start with light weights.

  • Gradually increase the weight and intensity of the activity as your strength and stability improve.

It's important to work with an OSTEOPATH to develop a customized exercise program based on your specific needs and goals. They can help guide you through each phase of the exercise protocol and monitor your progress to ensure that you are recovering safely and effectively.



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