A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder joint socket. This injury can happen during sports, including padel, because the shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in the body and is therefore more susceptible to dislocation. If not treated properly, the condition can cause severe pain and limit arm movement.
This happened to a patient who sustained an anterior dislocation of the right shoulder while playing padel. At Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, the patient underwent a shoulder reduction procedure performed by Dr. Venansius Herry P.S., Sp.OT, CF-Sports Injury, AIFO-K, CIPS, FIPP, an orthopedic specialist with expertise in sports injuries.
Because anesthesia was administered before the procedure, the patient did not experience pain during the shoulder reduction.
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Shoulder Reduction for a Padel-Related Dislocation by Dr. Venan
A 20-year-old male patient sustained an anterior dislocation of the right shoulder after playing padel. This condition caused the upper arm bone to move out of its normal position in the shoulder joint, requiring a reduction procedure to restore the bone to its proper position.
The reduction procedure was performed by Dr. Venan. Before the procedure began, the patient was given anesthesia to prevent pain during treatment. After the bone was returned to its normal position, the doctor used a portable X-ray machine in the operating room to confirm that the shoulder joint was properly aligned.
Having a shoulder reduction performed in a hospital offers several benefits, including anesthesia to improve patient comfort and post-procedure X-ray imaging to assess bone alignment. Prompt medical treatment also allows doctors to evaluate potential additional injuries and determine appropriate follow-up care based on the patient’s condition.
Read also: Shoulder Dislocation During Sports: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and the Doctors Who Treat It
Types of Shoulder Dislocation
Based on how far the bone moves from its normal position, shoulder dislocations can be classified into two types:
- Complete dislocation: The upper arm bone moves entirely out of the shoulder socket, so the two joint surfaces are no longer in contact.
- Subluxation: The bone partially moves out of its normal position, but some contact remains between the joint surfaces.
What Are the Symptoms of a Shoulder Dislocation?
Not everyone immediately realizes that their shoulder has dislocated after an injury. However, the condition commonly causes changes in shoulder shape, pain, and difficulty moving the arm. The following symptoms should be recognized:
- Severe shoulder pain, especially when attempting to move the arm.
- Shoulder weakness.
- Difficulty moving the arm or being unable to move it at all.
- A visibly altered or asymmetrical shoulder shape.
- Swelling around the shoulder joint.
- Bruising or changes in skin color.
- Muscle spasms around the shoulder.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, hand, or fingers.
Causes and Risk Factors of Shoulder Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the joint experiences an impact or force strong enough to move the bone out of its normal position. Several factors can trigger this condition, including:
- Falling and landing on an arm or shoulder.
- Motor vehicle accidents that cause an impact to the shoulder.
- Sports injuries, particularly those involving sudden arm movements or physical impact during activity.
Although anyone can experience a shoulder dislocation, certain groups have a higher risk, including:
- Athletes who participate in contact sports or sports involving intensive shoulder movements.
- Males.
- Individuals aged 15–30 years.
- People who have previously experienced a shoulder dislocation, as they are at greater risk of recurrent dislocations.
Treatment for Shoulder Dislocation
If a shoulder dislocation is suspected, seek medical attention immediately so a doctor can examine the joint and determine the appropriate treatment. While waiting for medical care, several steps can help reduce discomfort and prevent the injury from getting worse.
- Cold compress: Apply an ice pack or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to the shoulder for up to 20 minutes every 2–3 hours to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Support the arm: Use an arm sling or a towel to support the injured arm and keep the shoulder stable.
- Use pain relief medication: Paracetamol may be used according to the package instructions if needed and if there are no contraindications.
- Avoid excessive shoulder movement: Do not attempt to put the joint back into place yourself, as this could worsen injuries to the surrounding bones, nerves, or blood vessels.
After a medical examination, the doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments, depending on the patient’s condition.
1. Shoulder Reduction to Restore Joint Alignment
Shoulder reduction is a procedure used to return the upper arm bone, which has moved out of the shoulder socket, to its normal position. The doctor carefully guides the bone back into place.
To reduce pain and improve patient comfort, the doctor may administer pain medication, anesthesia, or sedatives, depending on the patient’s needs and medical condition.
Shoulder reduction should only be performed by trained medical professionals. Attempting to reposition the shoulder yourself can worsen the injury and damage surrounding tissues. Patients should therefore seek prompt hospital care for appropriate examination and treatment.
2. Shoulder Immobilization After Reduction
After the bone has returned to its normal position, the doctor may recommend using an arm sling to keep the shoulder stable during the early stages of recovery. This helps limit movements that could cause pain or aggravate the injury.
The doctor may also recommend cold compresses to help reduce swelling. The duration of sling use depends on the severity of the injury, the patient’s age, and the condition of the joint after reduction. Shoulder movements are generally reintroduced gradually according to the doctor’s recommendations to help prevent stiffness.
3. Medication to Relieve Pain
The doctor may prescribe pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication based on the patient’s needs. These medications help reduce discomfort during recovery.
Over-the-counter medications should be used according to the package instructions. If the pain does not improve, becomes more severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms, patients should consult their doctor rather than continuing to take medication without medical evaluation.
4. Rest and Limiting Physical Activity
Patients should limit activities that place stress on the shoulder during recovery. Activities such as lifting weights, making sudden arm movements, or participating in sports that involve the shoulder should be temporarily avoided.
The time needed before returning to work, daily activities, or sports depends on the injury and the patient’s recovery progress. The doctor will advise which activities are safe and when the patient can gradually resume training.
5. Physiotherapy to Restore Shoulder Function
Physiotherapy helps restore the shoulder’s range of motion, flexibility, and muscle strength after a dislocation. Exercise programs generally begin with gentle movements and progress gradually according to the patient’s recovery.
Muscle-strengthening and joint-stabilization exercises can also help improve the shoulder’s ability to support everyday movements and reduce the risk of recurrent dislocation. The duration of physiotherapy varies from patient to patient, depending on the severity of the injury and their response to treatment.
Does a Shoulder Dislocation Require Surgery?
Not all shoulder dislocations require surgery. In many cases, doctors can restore the bone’s position through closed reduction without an operation. However, surgery may be considered in certain circumstances, such as:
- Damage to the tissues surrounding the joint: The dislocation is accompanied by damage to ligaments, cartilage, or other structures that affect shoulder stability.
- Unsuccessful closed reduction: The bone cannot be returned to its normal position using a non-surgical procedure.
- Recurrent dislocation: The shoulder dislocates repeatedly due to joint instability, requiring surgery to repair the structures that support the shoulder.
The type of surgery is determined by the examination findings, the extent of tissue damage, the frequency of dislocations, and the patient’s needs. The doctor will evaluate these factors before recommending the appropriate procedure.
How Long Does Recovery From a Shoulder Dislocation Take?
Recovery from a shoulder dislocation can take several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the injury and whether other tissues have also been damaged.
During the initial stage, patients may need to limit shoulder movement and wear an arm sling. Afterward, range-of-motion exercises and physiotherapy can be introduced gradually to help restore joint function.
Patients who wish to return to sports, including padel, should wait until the shoulder is sufficiently stable, muscle strength has improved, and an adequate range of motion has been restored. The decision to resume sports should follow a doctor’s assessment and recommendations to reduce the risk of recurrent injury.
Dr. Venan’s Profile and Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
If you experience a shoulder dislocation or another sports-related injury, consulting an orthopedic specialist can help determine the appropriate treatment for your condition. Dr. Venansius Herry P.S., Sp.OT, CF-Sports Injury, AIFO-K, CIPS, FIPP, has expertise in orthopedics and sports injuries, including injury assessment and treatment to help patients gradually return to their activities.
In addition to his CF-Sports Injury certification, Dr. Venan holds the AIFO-K (Consultant in Sports Physiology), CIPS (Certified Interventional Pain Sonologist), and FIPP (Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice) credentials. These qualifications relate to sports physiology and pain management, including certain interventional approaches when medically indicated.
Dr. Venan completed his general medical and orthopedic and traumatology specialist education at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran. He also participated in orthopedic training at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary.
Dr. Venansius Herry P.S.’s practice schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is as follows:
- Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. WIB
- Wednesday: 4:00–8:00 p.m. WIB
- Friday: 4:00–8:00 p.m. WIB
- Saturday: 4:00–8:00 p.m. WIB
Facilities for Out-of-Town and International Patients at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides various support facilities to improve comfort for patients traveling from other cities or countries.
- VIP transport: Pick-up services from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, train stations, or ports to the hospital in comfortable vehicles, accompanied by the Patient Experience Officer (PEO) team.
- Medical ambulance pick-up: Specialized transportation for patients with particular medical needs, from their arrival point (airport, train station, or port), with medical equipment and professional healthcare staff.
- Accommodation (Sleep Hub and apartments): Comfortable accommodation for accompanying family members, located on the eighth floor of the Mandaya Royal Puri building, with additional options at nearby apartments.
- International Patient Relations: Dedicated assistance for international patients with medical coordination, interpretation, and administrative arrangements. For information and assistance, contact International Patient Relations at 021 5092 8888 or email [email protected].
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri easier, use the WhatsApp chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter app, available on Google Play and the App Store. These services can help you arrange visits, check queue numbers, and access other information.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes and provides a general overview. It does not represent every medical service that each doctor may perform. To determine the appropriate treatment for your health condition, we recommend consulting the relevant doctor directly.
If you have questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.
References
- Mayo Clinic. Dislocated Shoulder: Symptoms and Causes. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dislocated-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20371715). Accessed on October 14, 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic. Dislocated Shoulder: Causes, Treatment & Prevention. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17746-dislocated-shoulder). Accessed on October 14, 2026.