Shoulder Dislocation and Subluxation Care Options
- Brandon Larsen
- Oct 27, 2024
- 5 min read
Symptoms:
For Shoulder Subluxation (Partial Dislocation):
Pain and Weakness: Individuals may experience sudden pain, especially with certain arm movements. The shoulder may feel weak or unstable, like it could slip out of place again.
Limited Range of Motion: It can be difficult to move the arm fully or overhead.
Popping or Clicking Sensation: Some people feel a popping or clicking sound when the shoulder partially dislocates and relocates.
For Shoulder Dislocation (Complete Dislocation):
Severe Pain: Dislocation causes intense, sharp pain immediately after the injury.
Visible Deformity: The shoulder joint may look visibly out of place, and the arm may hang lower than normal.
Inability to Move the Shoulder: The arm cannot be moved freely, and attempting movement worsens the pain.
Numbness and Tingling: Nerves around the shoulder joint can be stretched or pinched, leading to tingling in the arm or hand.
Common Causes of Shoulder Subluxation and Dislocation:
Traumatic Injury: Contact sports, falls, or accidents can cause the shoulder to be forced out of its socket.
Overuse: Repetitive overhead movements, common in sports like baseball or swimming, can weaken the shoulder’s ligaments over time, increasing the risk of subluxation or dislocation.
Genetic Factors: Some people have naturally loose ligaments, making them more prone to shoulder instability.
Self-Care Options:
Rest and Ice: After a subluxation or dislocation, resting the shoulder and applying ice can help reduce swelling and pain. Aim for 15-20 minutes of icing every couple of hours during the first few days.
Sling or Brace: Wearing a sling can immobilize the shoulder, allowing the joint and surrounding tissues to heal.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
When to Bring in a Medical Professional:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately for Dislocations: If you experience a complete shoulder dislocation, it’s important to get medical attention right away. The shoulder needs to be reduced (put back in place) by a healthcare professional to avoid further damage.
Recurrent Subluxations: If your shoulder feels unstable or continues to partially dislocate, see a specialist for further evaluation. Physical therapy or surgery may be necessary to prevent chronic instability.
Telehealth Options:
Telehealth services can be helpful for initial consultations and follow-up care for shoulder subluxations and mild cases. Here are a few providers offering remote consultations:
Teladoc Health
Teladoc’s physicians can guide you through self-care options, assess the severity of your symptoms, and refer you to in-person care if necessary.
Amwell
Amwell offers access to orthopedic specialists and physical therapists who can provide expert advice on managing shoulder instability and recommend exercises for recovery.
PlushCare
PlushCare’s virtual visits with licensed doctors can help diagnose subluxations and offer non-surgical treatment options or referrals to in-person care.
MDLIVE
MDLIVE allows you to consult with general practitioners who can advise you on whether your injury requires immediate intervention and guide next steps.
Finding Cost-Effective In-Person Care:
For complete dislocations or recurrent subluxations, in-person care is often required. Here’s how to find affordable care:
Insurance Provider Directory: Use your insurance company’s directory to find in-network orthopedic specialists or sports medicine physicians.
Online Directories: Websites like Zocdoc or Healthgrades allow you to search for local orthopedic surgeons or physical therapists who specialize in shoulder injuries.
Price Comparison Tools: Websites like Fair Health Consumer let you compare prices for procedures like shoulder reduction or physical therapy, ensuring you get the best rates for your care.
In-Person Care Options and Estimated Costs:
Emergency Room Care for Dislocation: For a complete dislocation, a visit to the ER may be required to safely reduce the joint back into place.
Cost: $500 - $3,000, depending on the hospital and whether imaging (X-rays) is needed.
Urgent Care for Shoulder Reduction: For less severe dislocations or subluxations, urgent care centers can provide immediate treatment, including manual reduction and immobilization.
Cost: $150 - $500 per visit.
Orthopedic Consultation: A visit to an orthopedic specialist or sports medicine physician to assess the injury and recommend treatment options, such as physical therapy or surgery.
Cost: $200 - $400 per consultation, plus imaging costs if X-rays or MRIs are required.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is often prescribed after a dislocation or recurrent subluxation to strengthen the shoulder and prevent future injuries.
Cost: $75 - $150 per session, with multiple sessions usually required over the course of several weeks.
Surgical Repair (if needed): If the shoulder continues to dislocate or is severely unstable, surgery (such as arthroscopic stabilization) may be necessary.
Cost: $6,000 - $15,000, including surgeon fees, hospital costs, and physical therapy post-surgery.
Lab and Imaging Options (if necessary):
X-rays: Typically done after a shoulder dislocation to check for fractures or other complications.
Cost: $100 - $250.
MRI: In cases of chronic shoulder instability, an MRI may be ordered to assess ligament damage.
Cost: $500 - $1,500.
Recommended Care Pathway:
Telehealth Consultation: For a first-time subluxation, a telehealth consultation may be helpful to assess the injury and provide self-care recommendations or a referral for in-person care.
In-Person Care for Dislocations: If you experience a complete dislocation, go to an emergency room or urgent care center to have the shoulder reduced by a medical professional.
Follow-up with Orthopedics: If the shoulder continues to feel unstable or if it’s your second dislocation, an orthopedic consultation may be required to explore more advanced treatments, such as physical therapy or surgery.
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Meet David:
David, a 28-year-old professional baseball pitcher, was mid-season when he felt his shoulder "pop" after throwing a fastball. He had experienced shoulder pain before, but this time it felt different—his shoulder was weak, and he couldn’t lift his arm. David suspected a shoulder subluxation.
He scheduled a telehealth appointment with Teladoc Health, where the doctor recommended rest, ice, and wearing a shoulder brace. After a week, David still felt instability in his shoulder, so he consulted with an orthopedic surgeon through Amwell. The specialist ordered an MRI, which showed ligament damage that would require surgery to stabilize his shoulder.
David’s surgery, an arthroscopic stabilization, was scheduled for the off-season, costing him $10,000 after insurance. He also attended six weeks of physical therapy at $100 per session, bringing the total cost of his recovery to about $11,500. While it was a major investment, David was back on the mound the following season, pain-free and with a stronger shoulder.
David's Total Treatment Costs:
Telehealth consultation with Teladoc: $50
Orthopedic consultation with Amwell: $300
MRI scan: $1,000
Surgery (arthroscopic stabilization): $10,000
Physical therapy (6 sessions): $600
Total: $11,950
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