For first time visitors, take a few minutes to catch up on our last few articles. We have been sharing valuable information for shoulder injuries. More specifically, we have been discussing dislocated shoulder injuries caused by car accidents.
Dislocated shoulder treatments in review:
We are happy to share more on this series. It is very comforting and helping to patients when they have plenty of information on their condition. This also helps patients communicate their pain and concerns with their doctors at ProCare Health & Rehab Centers.
Proper communication between the patient and doctor is useful for timely, successful car accident injury treatment. In the last article, we shared the different options for treating a dislocated shoulder. First, the best least invade option is chiropractic methods.
Along with a chiropractic regimen, physical therapy is a natural way to heal injuries while giving the injures proper time to heal on their own. Natural, gentle methods are the best options for patients. However, some injuries cannot be solved with methods such as chiropractic methods and physical therapy
These injuries require surgery. In addition to surgery, the doctor may require a patient to immobilize the injury. This is just a fancy phrase which means to ease off of the injury area. Immobilization may involve using a sling or splint to keep the joint from moving.
The time of immobilization depends on the injury severity itself. Some injuries may require a few days of immobilization while others may require weeks. It also depends on how long after the time of dislocation your doctor immobilized the joint.
Medication may be used during your treatment plan. A pain reliever may be necessary to aid the pain during recover. A muscle relaxant may keep you comfortable while the shoulder heals.
If you had to immobilize the joint for a period of time, rehabilitation is usually necessary to restore motion, stability, and strength. However, we would like to point out, if you were seen by another office and other medical professionals, this does not mean you can go on with life as usual.
You must tend to the joint as it will be at risk for further dislocations. Resuming normal activity immediately after a shoulder dislocation can cause further, worse injury and future dislocations. If you have a more mild, simple dislocation, you are still at risk for future dislocations.
Prevent further injury and future dislocations:
After you get proper permission from your doctor to resume normal activity, there is basic maintenance you can do to help prevent further injury or dislocations. The first at home activity you can try it is simply resting.
Rest the shoulder and do not try any wide range of motion. Avoid painful movements and make note of those motions, so you cannot repeat them again. Lifting your children or pets is another action that should be avoided.
Although this can be very challenging, we guarantee it will help give your shoulder the time is needs to heal and regain strength. Put ice on your shoulder then heat. This is an old trick of the trade.
Baseball and football players do this often because of the overuse of the shoulder joints. Putting ice to the area of injury will reduce inflammation and pain. A frozen bag of vegetables from your freezer is just fine.
Apply the cold pack for fifteen to twenty minutes a day. After a few days, the pain and inflammation should die out. Apply heat packs or a heating pad to relax sore muscles. Limit heat packs to twenty minutes at a time.
Take acetaminophen and ibuprofen when needed. Continue at home exercises given to you by your physical therapist at ProCare to maintain a range of motion.
Physical therapy in Oviedo, Florida:
We are thrilled you joined us today to learn about prevent future shoulder dislocations. We know the healing journey may seem long, but it is well worth it when you no longer feel pain. Visit for Physical Therapy in Oviedo, Florida. This rehabilitation center is for incredible car accident related injuries .
After a car accident, call our office to be seen to avoid an expensive ER visit if you can.
Staff Writer