If no complications are identified, the doctor may try to gently guide the shoulder bones back to their original positions. This is a procedure known as Closed Reduction.
If there are severe pain and swelling, the doctor may administer a muscle relaxant or mild sedative prior to attempting a closed reduction. The pain should reduce significantly once the bones are back in position.
In rare cases, surgery under general anesthesia may be required if the dislocation is complicated by surrounding tissue or nerve damage or if the joints and ligaments have been weakened by repeated shoulder dislocations.
The doctor may recommend the use of a splint or sling for a few days or weeks to immobilize the shoulder joint while it heals. In addition, a pain reliever or a muscle relaxant may be prescribed to manage pain.