You might get a separated shoulder or a dislocated shoulder by:
- Falling onto your shoulder, especially on a hard surface
- Being hit in the shoulder
- Trying to break a fall with your hand
Dislocated shoulders can also result from a sharp twisting of the arm.
Sports that pose a higher risk of these two injuries are:
- Football
- Hockey
- Rock climbing
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Skiing
- Volleyball
Symptoms of a separated shoulder are:
- Intense pain as soon as the injury occurs
- Tenderness of the shoulder and collarbone
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Deformed shoulder
To diagnose a separated shoulder or dislocated shoulder, your doctor will give you a thorough exam. You may need X-rays to rule out broken bones and other conditions.