How to Know If You've Hyperextended Your Shoulder

A shoulder hyperextension is also known as a shoulder dislocation. When you hyperextend your shoulder, the upper arm bone -- or humerus -- has become dislocated from the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder known as the glenoid. A fall onto an extended arm, trauma such as an auto accident or a direct collision in sports can lead to shoulder hyperextension. This condition is painful and requires immediate medical attention.

Instructions

• 1

  Check for symptoms. You are likely to experience pain, swelling, bruising and numbness if you have dislocated your shoulder. You may also experience muscle spasms.

• 2

  Look in the mirror. Examine your shoulder for signs of a visual deformity. Your affected arm may appear to be longer than the other arm, or your shoulder joint may appear to be loose.

• 3

  Visit a doctor or emergency room as soon as possible. A doctor will take a medical history, inquire about how you injured yourself and examine you. A physical examination along with X-rays will likely occur. At this point, your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment plan for you. A doctor will normally reduce -- or put back into place -- your shoulder joint. Severe pain will decrease shortly thereafter.