Damage and injury to joints - a problem that is faced not only by athletes, but also by many people who have nothing to do with sports. After all, it is enough to stumble or perform an awkward movement, and the connective tissue of the musculoskeletal system may suffer. One of these common and complex injuries is a dislocation of the shoulder. Treatment after reduction is quite long and consists of several stages.
Shoulder dislocation care
This trauma is very painful, therefore, medical assistance to the victim is provided under local anesthesia, and in difficult cases, under general anesthesia. A qualified orthopedic surgeon adjusts the joint and applies an immobilizing dressing for a period that depends not only on the complexity of the injury, but also on the age of the patient. So, it is recommended that young patients wear the immobilizing product longer than the elderly. This is explained by the fact that in patients aged, prolonged immobilization of the joint can lead to atrophy of muscle tissue, and, consequently, to a partial or complete loss of shoulder functionality.
It is slightly different when a patient is diagnosed with a fracture of bone tissue and a dislocation of the shoulder, treatment after reduction. Gypsum in such cases is the only option for fixing a damaged shoulder. However, after the bone tissue has grown together and the plaster cast is removed, rehabilitation of the injured joint should be continued.
The first stage of dislocation treatment
From the above it is clear that the rest and immobilization of the injured shoulder is important at the first stage of treatment of such injuries. This will restore the cartilage of the joint. However, compliance with the rest regimen at this stage of treatment is not so simple as it seems at first glance. After all, for a certain period of time, the patient experiences severe pain. Therefore, the doctor prescribes medication, if the person had a dislocation of the shoulder, treatment after repositioning. In this case, medications are selected depending on the complexity of the injury and the individual characteristics of the patient, such as age, the presence of allergic reactions, and others. In addition, ice should be applied several times a day to relieve edema and reduce pain.
The duration of immobilization is about 4-5 weeks. During this period, the patient must perform movements with the brush and wrist. Such gymnastics will help maintain normal blood flow in the hand and prevent muscle tissue atrophy.
What medications can be prescribed for dislocation of the shoulder?
Given that shoulder dislocation is accompanied by severe pain, the first group of drugs that will be needed in the process of treating an injury is, of course, painkillers. Most often, with such an injury, the doctor prescribes taking medications such as Ketanov, Ibufen, Diclofenac and others. In most cases, these drugs are recommended to be taken in tablet form, but in especially severe cases, a specialist can prescribe anesthetic and injections.
Even taking anti-inflammatory drugs, many patients complain of constant aching pain in the first days of treatment, which causes discomfort and causes insomnia. Therefore, doctors prescribe drugs such as Lorazepam or Midazolam for injuries. These drugs have not only a sedative effect, but also have an excellent muscle relaxant effect.
Physiotherapy for shoulder dislocation
Various physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed to patients to activate biochemical processes, and therefore, accelerate the recovery process during joint injuries. This method of treatment and rehabilitation has proven itself very well over the years of practice. In addition, it is completely safe, since it does not involve the use of medications, therefore it can be used to treat even infants.
So, if the patient has a shoulder dislocation, treatment after repositioning (the dressing is not an obstacle) may include such methods of physiotherapy as electrical stimulation, phonophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy, ultrasound and laser therapy. The duration of therapy is determined exclusively by the doctor.
The second stage of the treatment of shoulder dislocation
After the doctor removes the immobilizing dressing or plaster, the second phase of rehabilitation will begin, which lasts 2-3 weeks. During this period, it is necessary to begin light physical exercises that will restore the functionality of the shoulder. It will be better if the physical activity of the patient's day will be regulated by a professional. Therefore, if a doctor offers to undergo a course of exercise therapy in a medical institution, do not refuse. If there is no opportunity to perform gymnastics under the supervision of a professional, you should consult with a specialist and determine what movements need to be performed at this stage of rehabilitation and how to do it correctly so as not to get a shoulder dislocation.
Treatment after reduction of the exercise involves very smooth and short-term, so as not to overload the damaged joint. In addition, for a further two weeks after the immobilization phase, it is recommended to wear a soft bandage supporting the arm.
Exercise therapy in the second stage of treatment of dislocation
After the shoulder and arm did not move for a long period, it is quite natural that the patient experiences some discomfort. Many complain that the muscles are too atrophied and even the simplest movements do not work right away. But do not get upset, you need to be patient and get to work.
So, for those people who had a shoulder dislocation, treatment after repositioning in the second stage should begin with simple exercises. In this case, the range of motion should be small. As for the starting position when performing exercises, it should include support for the shoulder. It is also worth noting that during gymnastics combined movements should be avoided so as not to injure the damaged joint again.
After performing the gymnastics, a slight swelling may appear, which should be removed with an ice compress.
The third stage of treatment
This period is very important for a patient who had a shoulder dislocation a couple of months ago. Treatment after reduction at this stage should be aimed at strengthening the muscle tissue of the forearm and shoulder. However, do not rush to restore the full range of motion, as the joint has not yet fully recovered. You can already refuse the bandage supporting the arm, but to fix the injured shoulder it is worth using an elastic bandage. This will protect the joint capsule from sprains.
During this period, active exercises aimed at restoring the functionality of the abduction and flexor muscles of the shoulder, as well as rotators, are recommended. You can also include movements with resistance and weight in the gymnastic complex. But it’s important not to overdo it and not to get an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon with a diagnosis of shoulder dislocation.
Treatment after repositioning the ointment involves using it at this stage only to warm the muscles and relieve swelling. The patient does not need other medicines during this period, which lasts from 2 to 3 months.
The fourth stage of treatment
The purpose of this period is to gradually return to the loads that were performed before the shoulder dislocation occurred. Treatment after reduction (the first 3 stages) should already give its results, and you should only restore the full amplitude of motor activity. For this, during gymnastic exercises, it is necessary to gradually increase the weight of weights and dumbbells, but do not forget to control the performance technique.
The duration of this stage of treatment is from 5 to 12 months.