Going home after your visit
Dislocated shoulder — advice after it has been put back
How to look after your shoulder while it heals, and what to watch out for.
Your shoulder was dislocated — the ball came out of the socket — and it has now been put back in place. Here is how to look after it while it heals.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
Come back to A&E — or call 999 if severe — if any of these happen
These can mean a nerve, blood vessel or the joint needs checking urgently.
- Your arm or hand feels numb, tingly or weak
- Your hand looks pale or feels cold
- You cannot move your fingers
- You feel the shoulder slip out again
- Severe pain, or pain getting worse quickly
CALL 999 Call 999 if the pain is severe or your hand turns cold and pale.
Caring for your shoulder
- Wear the sling for comfort and support, usually about 1–3 weeks as advised.
- Take it off several times a day to gently move your elbow, wrist and hand.
- Do not reach overhead or out to the side, or put your hand behind your back, until told it is safe.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you can take them.
- Sleep propped up at first if that feels more comfortable.
Getting better
- You will be reviewed and offered physiotherapy — the exercises are important, so do them.
- The shoulder can dislocate again, especially in younger people, so avoid the position that caused it.
- Build back to sport and heavy lifting gradually, guided by your team.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a red-flag symptom above
111
Urgent but not life-threatening, or you're not sure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team
Use the department phone in Your care details above