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Dislocated shoulder

Overview

Open all pages about Dislocated shoulder

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.

A dislocated shoulder is when your upper arm bone comes out of place from your shoulder socket.

Page last reviewed: 16/05/2023
Next review due: 16/05/2026