• Very bad shoulder pain
• Trouble moving the arm or shoulder
• The shoulder looking out of place or shaped differently
• Swelling or bruising around the shoulder
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arm or hand
• Muscle spasms or tightness
• Feeling like the shoulder “popped out”

• Sudden, very strong shoulder pain
• A popping, snapping, or shifting feeling in the shoulder
• The shoulder feeling loose, unstable, or “out of place”
• Trouble or inability to move the arm normally
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arm or hand
• Tightness or muscle spasms around the shoulder

• Falling onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm
• Sports injuries, especially in contact sports like football, basketball, or wrestling
• Car accidents or other strong impacts
• Sudden twisting or pulling of the arm

• Gently compare both shoulders in a mirror: does one look noticeably out of place?
• Try very small movement: does it feel blocked or extremely painful?
• Check for tingling, numbness, or loss of strength in the hand/arm

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Get medical help immediately (urgent care or emergency room)
2. 2Do NOT try to pop the shoulder back in yourself
3. 3Keep the arm still and avoid moving it

• Severe pain
• Visible changes in how the shoulder normally looks or sits in place
• Numbness or tingling feeling in the arm or hand

• Rest your shoulder and don’t move it too much
• Wear a sling if a doctor gives you one
• Use ice packs (wrapped in cloth) to help with pain and swelling
• Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully
• Do physical therapy or gentle exercises when the doctor says it’s okay
• Don’t go back to sports or heavy activity until a doctor says it’s safe