A dislocated shoulder is a common shoulder injury in contact sports such as rugby. A dislocated shoulder is characterised by severe shoulder pain and hospital treatment is often required to relocate the joint. Physiotherapy is usually started after two or three week’s immobilisation in a sling. Active rehabilitation is started as soon as possible but overhead arm movement and sporting activity should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. Gentle range of movement exercises can be started once the sling is removed. Strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff muscles should be started as soon as they can be done without pain.
