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Shoulder

Shoulder Instability / Shoulder Dislocation Non-Surgical Treatment

Can a shoulder dislocation and shoulder instability be treated without surgery?

For the treatment of shoulder instability and shoulder dislocations, there are both non-surgical and surgical options. Much of this is determined by your specific injury, number of total shoulder dislocations in the past, whether or not a concomitant bone injury has occurred, your age, activity level, and future goals. Dr. Chahla can work with you to determine what the best option is for you, your injury, and your activity goals.

For patients who are candidates for conservative treatment, the focus of care will be on reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, while also improving overall stability and function of the shoulder. Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment. With conservative treatments, some individuals may start feeling better within a few weeks, while others may take several months.

Initially following the injury, it’s essential to rest the shoulder and avoid activities that worsen the pain.

Use of a sling for 2-4 weeks following a shoulder dislocation helps immobilize the shoulder joint, reducing movement and preventing further stress on the injured structures. Immobilization is crucial in the early stages of recovery to allow the soft tissues around the shoulder to recover and heal.

Oral anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, such as Meloxicam, Naproxen, Advil, or Ibuprofen, may help to manage the pain and reduce inflammation. Applying ice packs and compression to the shoulder can also help reduce swelling and inflammation. Remember to use a cloth or towel between the ice pack and your skin to avoid frostbite.

A structured physical therapy program can be beneficial for strengthening the muscles around the shoulder and improving overall joint function. It is important to complete any home exercises that your physical therapist provides to you in order to optimize your recovery.

The goal of an intra-articular injection is to manage pain and inflammation of the shoulder. Therefore, injections may be used as a short-term measure to manage these symptoms following a shoulder dislocation. However, it’s crucial to understand receiving an intra-articular injection to the shoulder will delay any surgical intervention for at least 3 months following the administration of the injection.

Many cases of shoulder instability can be managed with physical therapy, strengthening exercises, bracing, and activity modifications to improve shoulder stability. Dr. Jorge Chahla develops personalized non-surgical treatment plans to help patients regain control of their shoulder function. If you are experiencing recurrent shoulder dislocations, contact Dr. Chahla’s office in Chicago, Naperville, or Oak Brook to explore conservative treatment options.

At a Glance

Dr. Jorge Chahla

  • Triple fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon
  • Performs over 700 surgeries per year
  • Associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush University
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