Healthpointe Medical Southern California

Separated Shoulder vs. Dislocated Shoulder

Often times, a dislocated shoulder and a separated shoulder are easily confused with one another. However, a dislocated shoulder and a separated shoulder are two distinct injuries.

What is a dislocated shoulder?

A dislocated shoulder occurs when a fall or a blow causes the top of your arm bone to pop out of the shoulder socket. The shoulder is a very mobile joint so that you can twist and move your upper arm in almost any direction. However, this ease of movement places your shoulder joint at risk for being unstable and prone to slipping out of its place.

Some symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include:

  • Pain in the shoulder and upper arm
  • Deformation of the shoulder (a bump in the front or back of your shoulder)

What is a separated shoulder?

A separated shoulder actually does not affect the shoulder joint. With a separated shoulder, a fall or a blow can cause a tear in one of the ligaments that connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade.

Some symptoms of a separated shoulder include:

  • Intense pain as soon as the injury occurs
  • Tenderness in the shoulder and collarbone
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Deformed shoulder

What are the treatment options for a dislocated shoulder and separated shoulder?

Treatment options will differ for a dislocated shoulder versus a separated shoulder. Treatment for shoulder separation will depend on the severity of the injury and the position of the displaced bone. In most cases of shoulder separation, treatment will start with the most conservative options such as icing the injury, anti-inflammatory medications, and rest. In severe cases of shoulder separation, surgery may be considered.

On the other hand, a dislocated shoulder is treated by putting it back in place, which can be done by a healthcare professional. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the torn ligaments and restore stability to your shoulder joint.

Come into your nearest Healthpointe Urgent Care locations, such as the Ontario office near  Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Montclair, and Chino. Call 888-719-8448 today to receive prompt medical attention for your shoulder injuries!

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Ontario, which is conveniently located near Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Montclair, and Chino. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit https://healthpointe.net/.

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