Minimally invasive options:
Not all shoulder dislocations need surgery. Our providers will first try treatments like braces and physical therapy. If you do need surgery, we’ll use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. Meet our team.
Your shoulders work hard.
They help you do so many things — from brushing your hair to carrying groceries to swinging a tennis racket. So when one is out of place, it can really disrupt your daily life. Getting treatment right away for a shoulder dislocation or separation is important, since even a single injury can increase your risk of it happening again.
Cleveland Clinic’s orthopaedics experts are here to help. Our team can repair your injured shoulder and guide you through a care plan focused on avoiding more dislocations or separations down the road.
Not all shoulder dislocations need surgery. Our providers will first try treatments like braces and physical therapy. If you do need surgery, we’ll use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. Meet our team.
Our team leads research and development of new orthopaedic techniques, materials and technologies used by providers worldwide. We’ve explored cartilage, tendon and bone tissue engineering. And we’ve played a role in developing virtual bone-modeling techniques.
If getting to your provider’s office is tough, you might want to schedule a virtual visit. You’ll get the same great care, but from the comfort and convenience of your home.
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
Shoulder injuries can be painful — and confusing — since different problems are often called the same thing. A true shoulder dislocation happens when the ball of your upper arm slips out of its socket in your main (glenohumeral) joint. A shoulder separation, on the other hand, involves your collarbone pulling away from your shoulder blade at your AC joint due to damaged ligaments.
Falls, sports injuries or sudden impacts can cause either condition. Knowing which type of injury you have helps your provider choose the right treatment and get you on the path to recovery.
An evaluation is the first step in your treatment journey. Your provider will ask how your injury happened, whether it’s your first dislocation and review your medical history. They’ll also do a physical exam and gently feel the injured area.
It’s important not to try to force a dislocated shoulder back into place yourself — or have someone else do it. That can make the injury worse. Instead, it’s best to have a trained provider take care of it. They know how to safely get your shoulder back in place and check for any other damage.
Your provider may also order imaging tests, like X-rays, a CT scan or MRI to get a clearer picture of your AC joint and look for any more damage. You may have these tests during your evaluation or need to schedule them for another day.
Your test results help our team confirm a diagnosis and spot any other issues. Then, we’ll craft a treatment plan to stabilize your shoulder and lower the risk of future injuries.
Our orthopaedists work closely with other experienced providers to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed so we can get your shoulder back to working the way it should. Your care team may include:
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Ohio and Florida.
The best treatment for a shoulder injury depends on the type of injury you have and your individual needs. Whether it’s a dislocation or an AC separation, our team will create a care plan that helps get your shoulder moving comfortably and safely so you can get back to your daily activities.
How we treat your shoulder dislocation depends on the type of dislocation and how it happened. We usually start with options that don’t require surgery. If needed, we’ll move to advanced procedures tailored to your situation. Along with resting your shoulder, your treatment may include:
Your treatment plan will depend on how badly you’ve separated your shoulder. Mild separations often improve with rest, support and therapy. More serious separations may require a procedure to help your shoulder regain strength and movement.
Early treatment for a separated shoulder is similar to that for a dislocation — rest, immobilization, PT and pain management. Surgery is less common, but in severe cases, we may do it to stabilize or reconstruct your AC joint.
A dislocated shoulder can slow you down — but with the right care, you can regain strength and movement before you know it. Our orthopaedic experts will not only repair your injury but also create a custom plan to keep your shoulder stable and help you avoid repeat injuries. From personalized rehab exercises to injury prevention strategies, we’ve got you covered.
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic’s shoulder dislocation experts is easy. We’ll help you get the care you need.
Manage your Cleveland Clinic account. Find billing information and financial assistance, plus FAQs.
Securely access your personal health information at any time, day or night.
Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.
Health LibraryFind answers to your health questions from experts you can trust. It's like having a friend who's a doctor.