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Following the repositioning or reduction of the shoulder, the patient will be required to wear a speciliazed sling known as a shoulder immobilizer. The immobilizer prevents movement of the shoulder and allows the injured muscles, tendons, ligaments and joint capsule to heal.
With early reduction, immobilization and progressive rehabilitation, the expected recovery time is 10-16 weeks.
Physical therapy that focuses on strengthening the muscles that surround and stabilize the shoulder can significantly reduce the risk for re-injury.
Initially, activities which involve overhead motion should be avoided. Only when the shoulder has had sufficient time to heal and rehabilitate should this type of activity be resumed.
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A critical part of a successful recovery from a shoulder dislocation or subluxation involves the active participation in a rehabilitation program. To reduce the risk for a second dislocation, strengthening the muscles that hold the head of the humerus in contact with the glenoid (shoulder socket) is of great importance. These muscles are called the rotator cuff muscles. They are strengthened by working against progressive resistance. It is important that the shoulder have both strength and functional range of internal and external rotation. Your physician and physical therapist will customize a rehabilitation program suited to your injury-specific needs.
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NSAIDs
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a group of drugs used to control pain. This category of medications includes both prescription and common over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs are effective for many types of pain that can occur because of inflammation of muscles, joints and bones. The drugs work quickly and people often notice some benefit within a few hours of taking the tablet. However, the complete effectiveness of the drug may not be realized for up to four weeks. For each individual, some varieties of NSAIDs are more effective than others. Often, patients will find that one or two varieties are helpful whereas others may not be as effective in controlling symptoms. It is usually necessary to try several brands and continue with the one that is most suitable. NSAIDs can be used to treat:
Pain resulting from inflammation or swelling.
Pain after injury.
Joint pain and arthritis.
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Hot/Cold Pack
The use of hot and cold packs to relieve pain and inflammation is a common method of treatment for many conditions. When the soft tissue groups become strained or irritated the rotating application of hot and cold can be beneficial.
Cold therapy numbs the nerves to reduce pain and combats swelling by constricting blood vessels and by slowing blood flow to the site of injury. The application of heat to an injury after a few days of cold therapy and after swelling and redness has been reduced promotes the healing process.
Heat therapy speeds up healing by increasing the flow of blood to the site of injury. Heat will also restore flexibility, relieve muscle cramping, and arthritic symptoms.
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90% of individuals under the age of 25 will sustain additional dislocations or subluxations. As you age, your risk for a second dislocation decreases in relation to your change in activities.
Patient's goals and lifestyle may need to be altered, with normal activity levels being modified.
A complete recovery is dependent on the severity of the injury, the health and habits of the patient, and any underlying shoulder disorders or conditions present at the time of the dislocation.
Maintaining an active exercise program is the best recommendation for recovery and prevention.
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Improper lifting of heavy objects following injury can result in re-injury.
The participation in sports where repetitive overhead motion may risk re-injury.
Re-injury due to continued exposure to activities that increase the risk.
Prolonged disability, which is rare, yet may result from repeated injury.
Recurrent inflammation at the point where the muscle attaches to bone.
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Every patient and injury is different due to a variety of factors. Your physician will discuss with you various options available for management of your specific injury.
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