Most shoulder separations heal within a few months without further treatment. Younger patients remain at higher lifetime risk for a repeat dislocation and may benefit from surgery to repair torn [no-glossary]ligaments[/no-glossary] and prevent additional dislocations.

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

A separated shoulder occurs where the collarbone (clavicle) and shoulder blade ([no-glossary]scapula[/no-glossary]) meet. It happens when the [no-glossary]ligaments[/no-glossary] that normally hold the collar bone down are torn. The outer end of the collarbone slips out of place. This usually is caused by a severe blow to the shoulder, or by falling on an outstretched hand. The collar bone will stick up and a bump can be seen on top of the shoulder.

There are 2 types of patients with shoulder instability. Treatment depends on which type of dislocation you have:

The shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) is made up of a ball and socket joint. The flat bone of the socket has surrounding tissue called the labrum (def.)Labrum The labrum is a thick fibrous rim of tissue surrounding the glenoid or "socket" portion of the shoulder. It deepens the socket to provide more stability for the humeral head or "ball.". The labrum gives it the extra depth it needs to help hold the ball in the socket. Ligaments of the joint capsule provide additional support.

Not surprisingly, the body's most mobile joint is also the one that is most frequently dislocated. A sudden blow or a fall can cause this condition. When this happens, you usually know. The pain can be severe.

In some individuals, shoulder dislocation continues to happen — creating what is called an "unstable" shoulder.