The definition of dislocation is to "displace a bone from its proper position."

The most common type of dislocation in American football is a shoulder dislocation.

Definition

Shoulder Dislocation:  This happens when the head of the humerus completely pops out of the socket. The first few times this happens, it is usually with significant trauma (although some people can have these without any injury at all). After that, it can get easier and easier for the joint to dislocate. Most shoulder dislocations are anterior, meaning  that the ball pops out the front of the socket.

Subluxations:  This is the feeling that the shoulder slips slightly out of socket, then immediately comes back in place. This often happens without any major trauma. Sometimes it happens in people who are very "loose-jointed". Sometimes these happen in just one direction (like out the front - "anterior"), and other times they happen out multiple directions and this is called "multidirectional instability".

Diagnosis

Most often, a diagnosis of recurrent shoulder dislocations can be made by simply listening to the patient's symptoms. These patients will come in stating that their shoulder pops out of socket, and either goes back in by itself, or has to be put back in by someone else. Sometimes, the tricky part is knowing which way the shoulder is coming out of the socket - it can come out the front ("anterior") or the back ("posterior") or both ("multidirectional"). A doctor will usually order x-rays and an MRI to get a better idea of what is causing the dislocation.

Diagnosing subluxations can be alot harder. There are physical examination maneuvers that a doctor can perform to get a better idea if the shoulder is loose. Sometimes people with subluxations may not know their shoulder is subluxating - they may simply experience pain. An MRI can occasionally be helpful in this diagnosis.

Treatment

A.)  If this was the firs time a person has had a dislocation a doctor will usually recommend that you wear a shoulder sling for up to 3 weeks  (depending on how old the person is).

B.)  Next, you need to regain motion

C.)  Strengthening is the most important step.  Strengthening the shoulder to prevent recurrent dislocations or subluxations is needed.

• Strengthening the rotator cuff muscles is the scientifically proven way to help reduce your chance of re-dislocating or subluxating your shoulder.
• Because the rotator cuff muscles surround your shoulder, by strengthening them you help to improve the stability of the shoulder. Indeed, the muscles can sense when your shoulder is about to come out of socket and activate to try to prevent it.
• Strengthening your shoulder is more than just going to the gym and doing military presses. Most exercises that body-builders perform do not strengthen the rotator cuff!

What is a "Shoulder Separation?"

Separation of the Shoulder... A seperated shoulder is called an AC separation.  This is a tear of the ligaments between the clavicle and acromion bone - which causes the clavicle (collar bone) to stick up. Most of these are treated without surgery, although rehabilitation is often required before returning to play. A separated shoulder is a common injury among football quarterbacks, but it can happen to anyone who falls and lands on the tip of their shoulder. The result can be an injury to the muscles, tendons and ligaments that hold the bones in your shoulder together.