Shoulder Dislocation in Kids: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Timeline

When your child suddenly grabs their shoulder in pain during a game or after a fall, your heart skips a beat. Is it serious? What should you do? If you’re searching for answers about shoulder dislocation in kids, you’re in the right place.

Shoulder dislocations can happen to children, especially active ones who love sports and outdoor play. While it’s more common in teenagers than younger kids, knowing what to look for and how to respond can make all the difference. Let’s break down everything you need to know in simple terms.

What Is a Shoulder Dislocation?

Think of your child’s shoulder as a ball sitting in a shallow cup. The upper arm bone (the ball) normally sits snugly in the shoulder socket (the cup). A dislocation happens when that ball pops completely out of the socket.

This is different from a shoulder separation, which affects a different part of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. It’s also more serious than a strain or sprain.

Children’s shoulders are still growing, which actually makes complete dislocations less common in younger kids compared to teens. Their bones and joints are more flexible, but when a dislocation does happen, it needs immediate medical attention.

What Causes Shoulder Dislocation in Children?

Sports Injuries
Most shoulder dislocations in kids happen during sports, especially:

• Contact sports like football, hockey, or rugby
• Activities with potential falls like gymnastics or wrestling
• Overhead sports such as swimming, baseball, or volleyball

A direct hit, awkward landing, or extreme arm movement can force the shoulder out of place.

Falls and Accidents

Outside of sports, common causes include:

• Playground accidents and falls
• Bicycle or skateboard crashes
• Landing on an outstretched arm during play
• Car accidents (less common but possible)

Joint Looseness
Some children have naturally looser joints, making dislocations more likely. This can run in families or be part of certain medical conditions affecting connective tissue.

How to Tell If Your Child’s Shoulder Is Dislocated

Look for These Signs:

▹Pain and Position

• Sudden, intense pain in the shoulder
• Your child can’t move their arm
• They hold their arm in an odd position away from their body
• They may tell you something “popped out”

▹Visible Changes

• The shoulder looks different or deformed
• One shoulder appears lower than the other
• Swelling develops quickly
• Bruising may appear

Important: Never try to put the shoulder back in place yourself. This can cause more damage to nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues around the joint.

When to Get Help

A dislocated shoulder always requires immediate medical care. Take your child to the emergency room right away. The doctor needs to examine the injury, take X-rays, and properly relocate the shoulder joint.

How Doctors Treat Shoulder Dislocation

▹ Putting the Shoulder Back
The medical term is “reduction,” but it simply means the doctor carefully moves the arm bone back into the shoulder socket. For children, doctors usually give medicine to help them relax or sleep during this procedure because it can be uncomfortable.

▹Rest and Protection
After the shoulder is back in place, your child will wear a sling for about 2 to 4 weeks. This keeps the shoulder still so it can heal properly. The doctor will also recommend:

• Ice packs to reduce swelling (15-20 minutes at a time)
• Pain medicine safe for children
• Keeping the arm supported and rested

Surgery—When Is It Needed?

Most children don’t need surgery for a first-time dislocation. However, surgery might be necessary if:

• The shoulder keeps dislocating repeatedly
• There’s a fracture along with the dislocation
• Soft tissues are badly damaged
• The child is a teenager active in competitive sports

The Recovery Timeline

▹Weeks 1-2: Rest and Healing
Your child wears the sling constantly and avoids moving the shoulder. Focus on comfort and pain management during this time.

▹Weeks 3-6: Gentle Movement
The doctor may start gentle exercises to restore movement. Physical therapy often begins here, with simple exercises your child can do at home.

▹Weeks 6-12: Building Strength
Exercises become more active, focusing on strengthening the muscles around the shoulder. This phase is crucial for preventing future dislocations.

▹Months 3-6: Return to Play
Most kids can gradually return to sports and activities during this period, but always with their doctor’s approval. Contact sports usually require the longest wait.

Remember, every child heals differently. Your doctor will guide you based on your child’s specific situation.

Preventing Future Shoulder Problems

Once a shoulder dislocates, there’s a higher chance it could happen again, especially in teenagers. Here’s how to reduce that risk:

• Complete all physical therapy exercises as recommended
• Strengthen shoulder muscles regularly
• Use proper technique in sports
• Wear protective gear when appropriate
• Warm up before activities
• Don’t rush back to sports too soon

When to See a Shoulder Specialist

If your child has dislocated their shoulder or you’re worried about shoulder instability, seeing an experienced orthopedic doctor is important. The right treatment now can prevent ongoing problems later.

Dr. Atul Bhaskar has over 33+ years of experience treating shoulder injuries, including shoulder dislocation treatment in Mumbai. With extensive knowledge in pediatric shoulder care, Dr. Bhaskar understands how to treat young patients while considering their growth and active lifestyles.

From diagnosis through complete recovery, Dr. Bhaskar focuses on getting children safely back to their favorite activities while protecting their long-term shoulder health.

Don’t wait if your child is experiencing shoulder problems. Schedule a consultation to discuss your child’s shoulder health and the best treatment options for their needs.

Contact Dr. Atul Bhaskar today for shoulder dislocation treatment in Mumbai and help your child get back to doing what they love.