Dislocations are commonly caused by sudden trauma to the joint like during a car accident or fall.

[1] The treatment for joint dislocation is usually by closed reduction, that is, skilled manipulation to return the bones to their normal position.

Only trained medical professionals should perform reductions since the manipulation can cause injury to the surrounding soft tissue, nerves, or vascular structures.

In the shoulder, vessel and nerve injuries are rare, but can cause many impairments and requires a longer recovery process.

[15] In Rheumatoid arthritis the production of synovial fluid decreases, gradually causing pain, swollen joints, and stiffness.

[16] Initial evaluation of a suspected joint dislocation begins with a thorough patient history, including mechanism of injury, and physical examination.

[3] Imaging studies are frequently obtained to assist with diagnosis and to determine the extent of injury.

If participating in activities such as contact sports, where there is a risk for dislocation, wearing appropriate protective equipment can be helpful.

This is especially true in the case of a dislocated ankle, due to the anatomy of the blood supply to the foot.

As they are extremely common in sports events, managing them correctly at the game at the time of injury, can reduce long term issues.

[29] There is no significant difference in healing or long-term joint mobility between simple shoulder dislocations treated conservatively versus surgically.

[30] Shorter immobilization periods are encouraged, with the goal of return to increased range-of-motion activities as soon as possible.

The most common treatment method for a dislocation of the shoulder joint is exercise based management.

In general, the therapeutic program should focus on restoration of strength, normalization of range of motion and optimization of flexibility and muscular performance.

[35] Surgery is often considered in extensive injuries or after failure of conservative management with strengthening exercises.

[23] Overall, recovering from a joint dislocation can range from a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of the injury.