A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is pushed out of the ball of the shoulder joint. Once the shoulder joint has returned to its original position, holding it in place with a bandage can help relieve pain, support, and speed the recovery of stretched tendons and ligaments. In addition, the technique of wrapping a bandage such as that used in shoulder dislocations can also be used as a preventive measure, so it is often used by some sports athletes.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparation for the Shoulder Bandage
Step 1. See a doctor if you suspect a shoulder dislocation
Shoulder dislocations usually result from an injury during exercise or a fall with the arm outstretched. Signs and symptoms of a shoulder dislocation include: severe pain in the shoulder, immobility of the shoulder, sudden onset of swelling and/or bruising, and deformity of the shoulder (eg it is lower than the other shoulder). If after experiencing a physical injury you suspect a shoulder dislocation, immediately see a medical professional (doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist) for help.
- The doctor may take X-rays of the shoulder to confirm the dislocation and see if there are any broken bones.
- Your doctor may suggest or prescribe medication to treat severe pain from a shoulder dislocation.
- Remember that a shoulder dislocation is not the same as a dislocated shoulder. The shoulder joint is detached due to a ligament injury in the joint between the collarbone and the front of the shoulder joint cavity, but there is no shift between the head of the arm bone and the shoulder joint cavity.
Step 2. Reposition the shoulder joint
Before wrapping or applying a bandage to the shoulder, your arm should be returned into the shoulder joint cavity. This procedure is usually called a closed joint reposition, and involves pulling and turning the arm to return the bones to their original position in the shoulder joint. You may need an anesthetic injection or strong pain reliever, depending on the severity of the pain you feel during this procedure.
- Never allow untrained people (such as friends, family, or strangers) to try to restore your shoulder blade, as this may only make the condition worse.
- Once the shoulder blade is returned to its original position, the pain you feel should immediately subside noticeably.
- Immediately apply a cold compress to the repositioned shoulder for about 20 minutes to relieve pain and inflammation. Wrap the ice in plastic or cheesecloth before applying it to the skin.
- Bandaging a shoulder that has not been repositioned is an inappropriate step and is not recommended.
Step 3. Prepare the shoulders by cleaning and shaving
Once the shoulder is repositioned, and the pain is reduced and bearable, it's time to get ready to bandage. In order for the bandage to adhere to the shoulder, the skin around the shoulder joint must be cleaned and shaved to remove the hair. So, clean the skin around the shoulders with soap and water, then apply shaving cream and remove any hairs (if you can) with a razor.
- After shaving, dry the area around the shoulders and wait for at least a few hours for the skin irritation to subside. Then, consider spraying adhesive before applying the bandage, so the bandage will stick more firmly to the skin of the shoulder.
- Not only will the bristles prevent the bandage from sticking to the skin, but it will also cause pain when the bandage is removed later.
- You may need to shave around the shoulders, shoulder blades, nipples, and lower neck, depending on how much hair there is.
Step 4. Prepare the necessary equipment
Prepare or purchase the equipment needed to bandage a dislocated shoulder at a pharmacy or medical supply store. In addition to the adhesive spray, you will need an orthopedic pad or guard (to protect nipples that are sensitive to bandages and adhesives), a stiff bandage (an ideal width of 38 mm), and an elastic bandage (an ideal width of 75 mm). Even if you are experienced or trained in dealing with this condition, keep in mind that you may need someone else's help to bandage your own shoulder.
- If you are in the vicinity of an orthopedic doctor, physical therapist, trainer or exercise therapist, they likely have the equipment they need for a shoulder bandage. Family doctors, physician assistants, chiropractors, and nurses may not have all the necessary equipment, so consider bringing your own.
- Going to a hospital emergency department is a great way to treat and restore your shoulder, even if your shoulder won't be bandaged afterwards. You may only be given an arm sling to wear afterwards.
- Wrapping the shoulder that has been repositioned may be helpful in restoring or even preventing this injury from reoccurring. However, this procedure is not considered medically necessary, so it may not be provided in standard health care.
Part 2 of 2: Bandaging the Shoulders
Step 1. Attach orthopedic pads or guards
After cleaning, shaving, and spraying the adhesive onto the skin around the shoulder, apply a thin pad to sensitive areas such as nipples, pimples, open wounds, etc. That way, pain and irritation when the bandage is removed can be avoided.
- To save material and time, cut the pads into small pieces and place them directly over the nipple and other sensitive areas. These pads will stick to the adhesive that has been sprayed for at least some time.
- Understand that while arm supports are usually worn over clothing or undergarments, bandages are usually placed directly on the skin under the clothing layer.
Step 2. Apply the tether bandage
Start by placing a first layer of bandage around your shoulder and biceps on the front of your upper arm. Wrap the bandage from the top of the nipple and over the shoulder around the middle of the shoulder blade. Apply another layer or two of bandage to keep it in place. Then wrap two or three layers of bandage around the middle of the biceps.
- When you're done with this step, you'll see two tethering bandages, one from the nipple to the upper back, and the other around the biceps.
- Do not wrap the second bandage too tightly or the blood circulation in your arm will be disturbed. Numbness and tingling in the arm are signs of obstructed blood circulation.
Step 3. Wrap the bandage in an "X" shape on the shoulder
Secure the shoulder brace and guard by wrapping two or four layers of bandage diagonally in opposite directions from one tether bandage to the other. Applying this bandage will form an "X" or criss-cross pattern around the shoulders that meet (overlapping each other) above the lateral shoulder muscles (deltoids). Wrap at least two layers of bandage, or apply two more for stability.
- Bandages should be wrapped tightly enough, but feel quite comfortable. If you feel pain from the bandage, remove it and try again.
- While a breathable bandage is a good choice for other injuries, use a thicker, stronger bandage to wrap the shoulder for more effectiveness.
Step 4. Create a "thread" pattern from the chest to the biceps
Start on the outside of the nipple and wrap a layer of bandage over the shoulder around the biceps in the upper arm. Basically, you just need to connect the two tether bandages one more time, but from the front, not from the side like in the previous step. A thread or spiral pattern will form when you wrap the bandage two or three times around your upper arm.
- It's a good idea to use three different bandages for this step, so that the "thread" pattern of the bandage isn't too tight and restricts blood circulation.
- When this step is complete, apply the tether bandage again by applying a layer of bandage over it (see step above). Generally, the more layers of bandage you put on, the stronger the bond.
- As a reminder, bandaging techniques like this can also be used to prevent injuries from occurring or getting worse, especially before sports such as football or rugby.
Step 5. Secure and cover the bandage with an elastic bandage
When you're done wrapping your shoulder in bandages, it's time to apply an elastic bandage or an Ace bandage. Wrap an elastic bandage across the chest through the injured shoulder down to the biceps. If the elastic band provided is long enough, wrap it again to strengthen it, then secure the layer of bandage underneath with safety pins or metal hooks.
- The main reason for using elastic bandages is to cover the bandage and prevent it from coming off, as well as to strengthen it.
- Remove the elastic bandage while applying the cold compress to make it quicker and easier. Apply ice over the injured area (but not over the bandage), then apply the bandage again over the cold pack.
- In essence, wrap two tether bandages, connect and cover with a sideways "X" pattern bandage and a spiral pattern bandage, then wrap them all in an elastic bandage that extends down the back and chest.
Tips
- While everyone's recovery period is different, shoulder dislocations generally take between 1 and 3 months to heal.
- Bandaging the shoulder immediately after repositioning has the potential to speed up the recovery period.
- After the shoulder is repositioned and wrapped with a bandage, you can also wear a shoulder brace to reduce the effects of gravity on the shoulder joint.
- Consider removing the bandage, and then putting it back on the shoulder about 1 week after recovering from the injury.
- You may have to undergo physical therapy to restore shoulder function. Two or three weeks after the shoulder bandage, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist for strengthening and stabilization exercises, as well as shoulder stretches.
