We have great freedom of movement in our shoulders. The trade off for more movement is less stability. For this reason, the shoulder joint dislocates more than any other joint in the adult body.

A dislocation occurs when any two bones that make up a joint come apart completely and cannot rest together naturally. When the upper arm bone of the shoulder, called the humerus, leaves its shallow socket of the shoulder blade bone, called the scapula, it is called a shoulder dislocation. People with certain health problems like arthritis or birth defects can be prone to dislocations. Usually a dislocation is the result of an accident. It is more common in young adults who:
* fall onto an outstretched arm,
* receive a blow from a contact sport, or
* do forceful throwing, lifting, or hitting.

A person with a shoulder dislocation is immediately aware that their shoulder has come "out of place". There is a lot of pain and they cannot use their arm. A healthcare provider should put the shoulder back into place. Movement is restricted for several weeks. A recovery program will include careful movement and strengthening. Complete healing takes several months. Sometimes surgery is necessary if the injury caused a lot of tendon or ligament damage, or if it is a repeated dislocation.

To avoid dislocations of the shoulder:
* Stay in shape.
* Strengthen the muscles around your shoulder.
* Wear proper equipment and padding for protection in sports.
* Know your limits and lift carefully if you need to protect your shoulder.

If you have had a shoulder dislocation, it is important that you follow instructions carefully for rest and rehabilitation. A shoulder is more likely to dislocate again if proper healing does not take place.

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