Your physician will do a thorough examination to find the source of your pain:

• When your shoulder is dislocated, your arm will look out of position. You will have severe pain, particularly if muscle spasms are present
  
  • In a partial dislocation (subluxation), you may have the sensation that your upper arm bone can slip out of its socket. Your doctor may order an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis and check for fractures.
• A shoulder separation will involve pain and tenderness. Sometimes a bump will appear in the mid top of your shoulder. Your doctor may order an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis and check for fractures. An MRI may be ordered to make sure there are no other injuries.

For a dislocated shoulder, the doctor will treat the problem by placing the "ball" of the upper arm back in the socket — bringing instant relief. This is called a "reduction." The doctor may suggest additional measures including immobilization, ice packs, and a rehabilitation program of physical therapy to help restore mobility and strengthen the arm. This will help reduce the likelihood of future dislocation.

If you have dislocated your shoulder before, or continue to have problems, your doctor may suggest minimally invasive surgery called arthroscopic surgery or traditional open surgery to correct the problem.

When the problem is a separated shoulder, your doctor may suggest immobilization, ice packs, and a rehabilitation program of physical therapy to help restore mobility and strengthen the arm.

Most shoulder separations heal within a few months without further treatment. However, sometimes the ligaments are too severely torn to keep the clavicle in place. If this is the case, your doctor may suggest surgery.

Check your symptoms here.