External Rotation

• There are several methods recommended for dislocated shoulder reduction, and the method used often depends on the type of injury, age and sex of the patient, as well as perceived level of pain. The most commonly used method (with a 78 percent success rate, according to Duke Orthopaedics) is the external rotation technique.
  
  In this method, the injured person lies flat on his or her back, and the elbow is flexed at 90 degrees. Then, a physician or therapist grabs the patient's wrist and slowly turns the joint back into place. Think of this method as slowly twisting a cap back on a bottle. After several minutes of slow twisting, the shoulder should return in place and any spasms should cease. No significant force is used in this method, making it a good option for those who do not have neck injury.
  
  

Scalpular Rotation

• This method requires the patient to lie facedown on a table with the arm left dangling. A physician or therapist will begin to rotate the arm while pushing downward on the shoulder blade. A loud popping noise signals to the patient and therapist that the joint has gone back into place.
  
  If this method is used, it is of utmost importance that the person lie completely flat on the table to ensure the best position for success.
  
  

Seated Reduction

• This technique typically requires much less strength in order to be successful. A patient is seated against a wall or a stretcher, and the affected arm is held against this flat structure. The physician will grab the wrist and begin lifting it to shoulder height, when the shoulder should return to place.
  
  

Stimson's Technique

• While this option may take more time than other methods, it is a good idea to use this approach if a gentler motion should be used when popping the shoulder back into place.
  
  A patient lies facedown on a table, and weights are strapped to the wrists. The therapist holds the affected arm's wrist, then places his other wrist on the patient's forearm. The physician then uses the held wrist to create a gentle rocking motion, which loosens the shoulder cavity and allows the reduction to take place.
  
  

Preferences

• The method used may depend on the injury as well as any additional complicating injuries. Another item to consider when choosing the best strategy is to consider the amount of force that must be applied, and use more if the shoulder should be quickly healed and less if it is more important to prevent an aggressive treatment or force.