Dislocated Shoulder in Children: Care Instructions

When the upper arm comes out of the shoulder socket, it is called a dislocated shoulder.

After the doctor puts the shoulder back in place, the doctor may put your child's arm in a sling or brace to keep it from moving.

Exercise and physical therapy can help the shoulder strengthen and move normally again. You can help your child get better with rest and home treatment.

If the shoulder keeps coming out of place, talk to your doctor about surgery. It can prevent dislocations.

Your child may have had a sedative to help them relax. Your child may be unsteady after having sedation. It may take a few hours for the medicine's effects to wear off. Common side effects of sedation include nausea, vomiting, and feeling sleepy or cranky.

The doctor has checked your child carefully. But problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

• If the doctor put your child's arm in a sling or shoulder immobilizer, make sure your child wears it as directed.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your child's shoulder for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when your child is awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
• After 2 or 3 days, you can try applying heat to your child's shoulder. Apply heat for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Put a thin cloth between the heat and your child's skin. You might also try switching between ice and heat.
• If the doctor gave your child exercises to do at home, help your child do them exactly as the doctor told you.
• Don't let your child do anything that makes the pain worse.