Shoulder Subluxation - NJ's Top Orthopedic Spine & Pain Management Center
Redefine HealthCare (732) 906-9600
Book Online

Shoulder Subluxation

    Shoulder subluxation is a partial and temporary dislocation of the shoulder joint that results when the head of the humerus partially slips out of the glenoid fossa – the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula). The condition can result from the underlying looseness of the shoulder ligaments, repetitive overuse activities, or it may be initiated by a sudden trauma to the shoulder.



    Everyone is so courteous and helpful. We definitely recommend.

    Maryann

    Affected Areas

    The shoulder is built for mobility, with three osseous joints and one articulation. One of the joints, the glenohumeral joint, is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for mobility of the arm within the shoulder joint complex. Within this joint, the head of the humerus (upper arm bone), which is the “ball”, sits in the socket of the shoulder blade, known as the glenoid fossa. Although this joint is mobile, the fact that the humerus is large and the glenoid fossa is small results in an unstable joint.

    Causes

    Shoulder subluxation most commonly occurs following a fall (usually on an out stretched arm) or a direct trauma to the shoulder. Individuals with loose ligaments are more susceptible to this type of instability. Causes of shoulder subluxation include:

    • Looseness or laxness of the glenohumeral ligaments are the most common cause of instability. This can result from a prior injury to the shoulder, such as a dislocation.
    • General looseness of ligaments in the body can also predispose an individual to subluxation.
    • Rotator cuff weakness makes individuals more prone to subluxation of the shoulder.
    • Some connective tissue disorders can make individuals more prone to shoulder subluxation due to ligamentous laxity. Those who are double jointed are more prone as well.
    • Repetitive strain injuries that result from overuse of the shoulder joint due to recreational or work-related activities may make shoulder subluxation more likely. Sports involving overhead motions, such as baseball, softball, tennis, volleyball or swimming can aggravate the shoulder, resulting in instability and looseness of the joint. Other sports that put people at increased risk include football, basketball and wrestling.

    Shoulder Subluxation

    Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Subluxation

    Symptoms of shoulder subluxation generally include:

    • Pain and discomfort with movement, especially overhead activities, or when sleeping on the affected side.
    • Tenderness in the area of the shoulder joint.
    • A feeling that the shoulder is loose or that it is “going in and out of joint” when reaching up or behind the head. This is referred to as the “apprehension sign”.
    • Weakness of the shoulder joint.
    • A feeling that the arm is “dead” or numb after repeated activity.


    Treating Shoulder Subluxation

    Treatment of shoulder subluxation is focused primarily on reducing your pain and any inflammation at the outset of the instability, as well as providing the patient with a course of physical therapy in order to strengthen the rotator cuff and stabilize the shoulder. Patients with an underlying pathology that causes prolonged or repeated subluxations may require surgical treatment to tighten the ligaments in the shoulder capsule or to make repairs to the glenoid labrum. If surgery is necessary, intensive physical therapy is required following surgery to restore full functionality of the shoulder joint.

    Managing Your Pain

    Initial treatment of shoulder subluxation typically focuses on temporarily resting the joint, as well as reducing pain and inflammation. This allows the patient to proceed through a course of physical therapy to strengthen and stabilize the shoulder. Pain management is achieved through:

    • Sling – The shoulder may be initially immobilized in order to rest the joint during healing and to reduce pain.
    • Rest – Use of the shoulder may be temporarily limited and movements that exacerbate pain and aggravate subluxation. Overhead activities should be avoided.
    • Ice – Reduces inflammation and diminishes pain.
    • NSAIDs and pain medication – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain and inflammation. Additional pain medication may be required while therapeutic and strengthening exercises are performed.
    • Steroid injections – Low doses of steroids injected into the glenohumeral joint can reduce inflammation.
    • Physical therapy – Therapy is usually recommended to strengthen and stabilize the shoulder. Therapeutic exercises, neuro-muscular reeducation, manual therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, cold laser therapy and ice can be utilized to decrease pain, reduce inflammation, improve mobility and strengthen the shoulder.

    Prognosis

    Shoulder subluxation is temporary and most patients fully recover following a conservative course of treatment that includes rest, medication to reduce pain and inflammation, and physical therapy to improve strength and stability. However, some patients with conditions that predispose them to ligamentous laxity, such as connective tissue disorders, as well as those with rotator cuff or labral tears, or loose ligaments from a prior shoulder injury, may require surgical treatment followed by an intensive course of physical therapy in order to return to full functionality.


    DR. ERIC FREEMAN is the absolute best for pain relief. he hands on listens to you-diagnoses your trouble- and gives you all the best solutions for your pain relief. I woud not use anyone else and recommend him to all.

    Thomas

    Page Updated on Jul 19, 2023 by Redefine Healthcare Redefinehealthcare Team

    At Redefine Healthcare, our specialists are board-certified, highly educated, and rigorously trained in various fields, including pain management, neurosurgery, orthopedic spine surgery, chiropractic care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatry, and podiatry. Many of our doctors have earned the prestigious Castle Connolly Top Doctors recognition from their peers. We prioritize listening to your concerns, identifying the root cause of your pain, and determining the most effective treatment plan to provide quick relief and prevent future conditions. With advanced non-surgical pain rehabilitation, our New Jersey centers in Union, Edison, and Paterson offer top-tier care for severe and chronic pain.

    Our Team
    Why Choose Redefine Healthcare?
    • Same-day
      appointments
    • Convenient locations throughout
      Central & Northern NJ
    • In-network,
      tier-one facility
    • 24 hour turnaround on needed
      notes and documentation
    • Comprehensive and
      compassionate pain care
    • Non-surgical, interventional pain care
      in Edison, NJ & Union, NJ

    Certificate

    Call at: 732.906.9600 For Same day Appointment

    Our Locations
    BAYONNE
    •
    BEDMINSTER
    •
    CHERRY HILL
    •
    CLIFTON
    •
    DOVER
    •
    EAST BRUNSWICK
    •
    EDGEWATER
    •
    EDISON
    •
    EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP
    •
    EWING
    •
    FREEHOLD
    •
    GALLOWAY
    •
    HACKENSACK
    •
    HACKETTSTOWN
    •
    HAINESPORT
    •
    HAMILTON
    •
    JERSEY CITY
    •
    LAWRENCEVILLE
    •
    LAKEWOOD
    •
    LINWOOD
    •
    MARLTON
    •
    MONTCLAIR
    •
    MOUNT LAUREL
    •
    NEWARK
    •
    NEWTON
    •
    NORTH ARLINGTON
    •
    OAKHURST
    •
    ORANGE
    •
    PATERSON
    •
    PENNSVILLE
    •
    PRINCETON
    •
    SCOTCH PLAINS
    •
    SECAUCUS
    •
    SEWELL
    •
    SHREWSBURY
    •
    TOMS RIVER
    •
    TURNERSVILLE
    •
    UNION
    •
    VERNON
    •
    VILLAS
    •
    VINELAND
    •
    VOORHEES
    •
    WALL
    •
    WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
    •
    WEST DEPTFORD
    •
    WEST ORANGE
    •
    WEST WINDSOR
    •
    WILLIAMSTOWN
    •
    LANGHORNE (PA)
    •
    GOSHEN (NY)
    Down Arrow

    Bayonne
    Grau Orthopaedics

    19 East 27th Street
    Bayonne, NJ 07002

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Bedminster
    Skylands Orthopaedics

    1 Robertson Drive, #11
    Bedminster, NJ 07921

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Cherry Hill
    Greenberg Spine & Orthopedics

    1400 Route 70 East
    Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

    Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Clifton
    Grau Orthopaedics

    855 Valley Road
    Clifton, NJ 07013

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Dover
    Orthopaedic Associates of West Jersey

    600 Mount Pleasant Ave.
    Dover, NJ 07801

    Orthopedics • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    East Brunswick
    NJ Pain Care Specialists

    69 Brunswick Woods Drive
    East Brunswick, NJ 08816

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Edgewater
    Grau Orthopaedics

    935 River Road
    Edgewater, NJ 07020

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Edison
    Redefine Healthcare

    10 Parsonage Road, Suite 208
    Edison, NJ 08837

    Chiropractic • Mental Health • Orthopedics • Pain Management • Physical Therapy • Spine Surgery • Surgery Center • Vascular

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Edison
    Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Center

    1907 Oak Tree Road, Suite 201
    Edison, NJ 08820

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Edison
    Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group

    10 Parsonage Road, Suite 500
    Edison, NJ 08837

    Orthopedics • Pain Management • Physical Therapy

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Egg Harbor Township
    Greenberg Spine & Orthopedics

    3100 Hingston Ave, Suite 104
    Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

    Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Ewing
    InFocus Urgent Care

    100 Campus Town Circle, Suite 100
    Ewing Township, NJ 08628

    Urgent Care

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Freehold
    Innovative Spine & Pain

    1000 W Main Street, Suite 201
    Freehold, NJ 07728

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Galloway
    Coastal Spine

    408 Chris Guapp Drive, Suite 250
    Galloway, NJ 08205

    Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Galloway
    Mid-Atlantic Pain Specialists

    415 Chris Gaupp Drive
    Galloway, NJ 08205

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Goshen
    Healthspine & Anesthesia Institute

    70 Hatfield Lane, Suite 201
    Goshen, NY 10924

    Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Hackensack
    Redefine Healthcare

    146 NJ-17, Suite 2
    Hackensack, NJ 07601

    Pain Management • Spine Surgery • Surgery Center

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Hackensack
    A&A Pain and Spine Institute

    2 University Plaza Drive, Suite 500
    Hackensack, NJ 07601

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Hackettstown
    Skylands Orthopaedics

    57 Route 46 East, Suite 107
    Hackettstown, NJ 07840

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Hainesport
    Atlas Spine

    201 Creek Crossing Blvd
    Hainesport, NJ 08036

    Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Hamilton
    Innovative Spine & Pain

    2271 Highway 33, Suite 103
    Hamilton, NJ 08690

    Mental Health • Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Hamilton
    Mercer Bucks Orthopedics

    2501 Kuser Road, 3rd Floor
    Hamilton, NJ 08691

    Orthopedics • Pain Management • Physical Therapy

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Hamilton
    Greenberg Spine & Orthopedics

    3535 Quakerbridge Rd, Suite 200
    Hamilton, NJ 08619

    Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Jersey City
    Redefine Healthcare

    3540 JFK Blvd
    Jersey City, NJ 07307

    Chiropractic • Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Lakewood
    ReGenSpine MD

    1215 Route 70, Suite 1001
    Lakewood, NJ 08701

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Langhorne
    Mercer Bucks Orthopedics

    1203 Langhorne-Newtown Road, Suite 220
    Langhorne, PA 19047

    Orthopedics • Pain Management • Physical Therapy

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Lawrenceville
    Mercer Bucks Orthopedics

    2A Princess Road, Suite 200
    Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

    Orthopedics • Pain Management • Physical Therapy

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Lawrenceville
    Princeton Pain & Spine

    123 Franklin Corner Road, Suite 114
    Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

    Pain Management • Physical Therapy

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Linwood
    ReclaimAbility Pain

    1801 New Road
    Linwood, NJ 08221

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Marlton
    Helios Pain Specialists

    542 Lippincott Drive
    Marlton, NJ 08053

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Marlton, NJ
    Mercer Bucks Orthopedics

    651 N. Route 73, Suite 405
    Marlton, NJ 08053

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Montclair
    Sports, Pain & Regenerative Institute

    1 Bay Avenue, 2nd Floor, Suite 1
    Montclair, NJ 07042

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Mount Laurel
    ReclaimAbility Pain

    15000 Midlantic Drive, Suite 102
    Mount Laurel, NJ 08052

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Mount Laurel
    Coastal Spine

    4000 Church Road
    Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

    Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Newark
    Orthopedics Unlimited

    266-272 Chestnut Street
    Newark, NJ 07105

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Newton
    Executive Spine Surgery

    157 High St.
    Newton, NJ 07860

    Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    North Arlington
    Grau Orthopaedics

    11 Ridge Road
    North Arlington, NJ 07031

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Oakhurst
    NJ Pain Care Specialists

    1806 Highway 35, Suite 305
    Oakhurst, NJ 07755

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Orange
    Grau Orthopaedics

    85 South Jefferson
    Orange, NJ 07050

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Paramus

    80 Route 4, Suite 100
    Paramus, NJ 07652

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Paterson
    Redefine Healthcare

    922 Main Street, Suite 201
    Paterson, NJ 07503

    Chiropractic • Pain Management • Physical Therapy

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Pennsville
    Mid-Atlantic Pain Specialists

    390 N Broadway, Suite 500
    Pennsville, NJ 08070

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Princeton
    Redefine Healthcare

    10 Forrestal Road South, Suite 105
    Princeton, NJ 08540

    Orthopedics • Pain Management • Physical Therapy • Vascular

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Scotch Plains
    Orthopedics Unlimited

    1814 E 2nd Street
    Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Secaucus
    Grau Orthopaedics

    55 Meadowlands Parkway, Suite 2
    Secaucus, NJ 07094

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Sewell
    Coastal Spine

    102 Heritage Valley Drive, Suite C
    Sewell, NJ 08080

    Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Shrewsbury
    Performance Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine / ReGenSpine MD

    1131 Broad St., Suite 104 Building A
    Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

    Orthopedics • Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Toms River
    Precision Pain Management

    300 West Water Street, Suite A
    Toms River, NJ 08753

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Toms River
    Performance Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

    780 Route 37 W, Suite 330
    Toms River, NJ 08755

    Orthopedics

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Toms River
    NJ Pain Care Specialists

    1902 Hooper Avenue, Suite A
    Toms River, NJ 08753

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Turnersville
    Innovative Spine & Pain

    860 Route 168, Ste 104
    Turnersville, NJ 08012

    Orthopedics • Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Union
    Redefine Healthcare

    2500 Morris Avenue, Suite 220
    Union, NJ 07083

    Mental Health • Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Vernon
    Executive Spine Surgery

    521 County Route 515, Suite 3
    Vernon, NJ 07462

    Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Villas
    Mid-Atlantic Pain Specialists

    2004 Bayshore Road
    Villas, NJ 08251

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Vineland
    Coastal Spine

    415 W Landis Ave Suite 101-B
    Vineland, NJ 08360

    Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Vineland
    Mid-Atlantic Pain Specialists

    2466 Chestnut Avenue, Suite 2
    Vineland, NJ 08361

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Voorhees
    Innovative Spine & Pain

    1001 Laurel Oak Road, Suite A2
    Voorhees, NJ 08043

    Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Wall
    Coastal Spine

    1985 State Highway 34, Suite 6A
    Wall, NJ 07719

    Pain Management • Spine Surgery

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Washington Township
    ReclaimAbility Pain

    329 Greentree Road
    Sewell, NJ 08080

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    West Deptford
    Mid-Atlantic Pain Specialists

    204 Grove Avenue, Suite G
    West Deptford, NJ 08086

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    West Orange
    Orthopedics Unlimited

    445 Pleasant Valley Way
    West Orange, NJ 07052

    Orthopedics • Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    West Windsor
    InFocus Urgent Care

    64 Princeton Hightstown Rd, Suite 2
    West Windsor, NJ 08550

    Urgent Care

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW

    Williamstown
    Mid-Atlantic Pain Specialists

    979 N Black Horse Pike
    Williamstown, NJ 08094

    Pain Management

    First Icon

    DIRECTIONS

    Second Icon

    CALL NOW

    Third Icon

    BOOK NOW
    Request an Appointment We are here to assist you