Anterior shoulder dislocations: causes, symptoms, and treatment

Have you ever felt a sudden, intense pain in your shoulder after a fall or sports injury?

You might have experienced an anterior shoulder dislocation, a common injury that can significantly impact your daily life.

In this blog, we’ll explore what anterior shoulder dislocations are, their causes, symptoms, and physiotherapy directed treatment options available.

What is an anterior shoulder dislocation?

An anterior shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the humerus (the upper arm bone) is forced out of its socket in the glenoid cavity of the scapula (shoulder blade).

Anterior dislocation accounts for the vast majority of acute shoulder dislocations.

This typically results from a traumatic event, such as a fall, or in tackling sports such as AFL and rugby where the arm is positioned in an excessive amount of abduction and external rotation (away from the body).

Causes of anterior shoulder dislocations

Several factors can lead to an anterior shoulder dislocation, including:

• Trauma: High-impact activities like contact sports (e.g., rugby, football) or accidents (e.g. skiing or falling down stairs) are common causes.
• Repetitive strain: Overuse of the shoulder joint in activities that involve repetitive overhead movements, such as swimming or throwing sports, can weaken the shoulder’s stability.
• Anatomical factors: Some individuals may have a naturally shallow glenoid cavity or loose ligaments, making them more susceptible to dislocations.

Symptoms of anterior shoulder dislocations

Recognising the symptoms of an anterior shoulder dislocation is crucial for timely treatment.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain: Immediate and intense pain in the shoulder area.
• Visible deformity: The shoulder may appear visibly out of place or deformed.
• Limited mobility: Difficulty moving the arm or shoulder.
• Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising around the shoulder joint.
• Numbness or tingling: Sensation of numbness or tingling in the arm or hand, indicating possible nerve involvement

Diagnosis and initial treatment

If you suspect an anterior shoulder dislocation, seek medical attention immediately.

A healthcare professional will perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis and assess any associated injuries.

Initial treatment typically involves:

• Reduction: A procedure to reposition the dislocated humerus back into the glenoid cavity. This is usually done under sedation or anaesthesia to minimise pain.
• Immobilisation: After reduction, the shoulder is immobilised using a sling for a short period of time to allow the ligaments and tissues to heal
• Early rehabilitation: Rehabilitation should start within the first few days of injury. Getting the shoulder moving early and starting to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles under supervision, is safe and represents evidence based management.

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy

Rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery from an anterior shoulder dislocation.

At our clinic, our team of physiotherapists will create a personalised rehabilitation plan that includes:

• Pain management: Techniques such as ice therapy, and manual therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Range of motion exercises: Gentle exercises to restore the shoulder’s range of motion without causing further injury
• Strengthening exercises: Gradual introduction of exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve stability.
• Graded return to sport: Accurately testing the strength and function of the shoulder is key to identifying when it is safe to return back to training and competitive sport.

Our team will also guide you as to whether imaging is necessary and help engage with a sports physician or shoulder specialist if required.

Conclusion

Anterior shoulder dislocations can be painful and debilitating, but with the right treatment and rehabilitation, you can regain full function and prevent future injuries.

Our multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and myotherapists are here to support you every step of the way.

If you suspect an anterior shoulder dislocation or need help with your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact us for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment plan.

Amanda Turner is an APA Sports Physiotherapist. She has a wealth of clinical experience and has previously served as Head Physiotherapist for the Harlequins Rugby Union Team in the UK. She enjoys assessing sports related injuries and getting athletes back on the field.