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Shoulder dislocation and instability

A shoulder that has dislocated, or that feels unstable when you reach overhead or behind. The younger you were when it first happened, the more likely it is to happen again.

Do not wait for an appointment

A dislocated shoulder needs reducing promptly.

  • The shoulder is out now — go to casualty, do not try to force it back yourself
  • Numbness over the outer upper arm after a dislocation
  • You cannot feel or move the hand
  • The arm is cold or pale
Sheet 14 · Shoulder stability exercisesShoulder & elbowDepends strongly on your age at the first dislocation

Do this

  • Have it put back promptly and have an X-ray before and after
  • Follow the rehabilitation programme — the cuff and the shoulder blade muscles are what hold it in
  • Sheet 14 exercises, built up steadily over months
  • Tell us your age at the first dislocation — it changes the advice more than anything else

Avoid this

  • Repeatedly putting it back yourself
  • Returning to contact sport or heavy overhead work before the rehabilitation is done
  • Assuming it will simply settle if you are under twenty-five — it usually recurs

The questions everybody asks

Will it happen again?

It depends mostly on your age at the first time.

Under about twenty-five, recurrence is common — often the majority. Over forty, much less so, but a rotator cuff tear becomes more likely instead. That single fact shapes the whole plan.

Do I need surgery?

Often yes if you are young and it has happened more than once.

Stabilisation surgery is effective. For a first dislocation in an older person, rehabilitation alone is usually right.

Do I need a scan?

Usually yes if surgery is being considered.

An MRI or CT tells us whether there is bone loss, which changes which operation is appropriate.

Open the exercise sheet

Pictures, how many and how often, and what it should feel like. Free, and printable.

On cost: if we suggest a scan, an injection or an operation, ask us what it costs and what happens if you do nothing. We will answer both. You should never feel pushed into spending money.

Consultation is ₹500 for a first visit and ₹300 for a follow-up, the same at both clinics. For anything else, ask at the desk or on WhatsApp before it is done — we will tell you the exact cost.

Should you come and see us?

A page is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If the pain is not settling, come in and have it looked at properly — bring any X-ray, MRI or CT films you already have.

Nallasopara West

Opposite Patil Hospital

Shop No. 14, Veena Apartment,
Opposite Patil Hospital, near Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir,
S.T. Stand Road, Nallasopara West — 401203

Monday to Saturday
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm  ·  7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Virar East

Opposite Parimal Hospital

Shop No. 7, Damodar Tower,
Opposite Parimal Hospital, Morya Nagar,
Manvel Pada Road, Virar East — 401305

Monday to Saturday
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Ready when you are.

Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.