Dislocated shoulder
Overview
Get medical help if you think you’ve dislocated your shoulder. Keep your shoulder still and do not try to put your arm back in yourself.
An X-ray will check if your shoulder is dislocated. If it is, a doctor will move your arm back into place. Surgery may sometimes be needed.
A dislocated shoulder usually takes up to 12 weeks to heal, but it can take longer. You'll wear a sling to support your arm for the first few weeks.
Once you've dislocate your shoulder, there's a chance it could happen again. Physiotherapy can reduce the risk of dislocating it again.
Page last reviewed: 16/05/2023
Next review due: 16/05/2026