Why Does My Shoulder Keep Popping Out Of The Socket?

Question

During the softball season, a ball got hit in practice and nobody was paying attention so I threw my arm up quickly and it popped out of the socket. It wasn't in place for about a minute and then it popped back in by itself. It hurt to move my arm for about a week and then it happened again when I was playing volleyball in PE. I went to the hospital and all the doctor said was that I couldn't play sports for 2 weeks. That was in April but now if I move it a certain way, it will pop out of the socket.

Answer 1

Hi,

Your shoulder joint got partially dislocated (Subluxated) because of the trauma sustained when the ball hit the joint.

1. Most of the time it heals after a few weeks' rest.

2. In your case it clearly hasn't healed.

3. Repeated dislocation is a sign that might indicate that maybe you will be better off avoiding that kind of sports....I know it is unfortunate.

4. You may need to get the joint surgically repaired if it is an extreme case (e.g., the dislocation gets to be too frequent)

5. DO NOT try to do any major exercise in an attempt to strengthen the ligaments / tendons without consulting a Physician and/or Physical Therapist. That might worsen the condition.