What are signs that a shoulder has dislocated?

Signs of a dislocated shoulder include pain in the shoulder and upper arm area that hurts more with movement and a bump in the front or back of the shoulder, according to WebMD. A shoulder may also become separated rather than dislocated, causing intense pain, swelling and bruising.

To diagnose a dislocated shoulder, it is necessary to see a doctor for a thorough physical, notes WebMD. X-rays are necessary in some cases to determine if a bone has been broken. Falling onto a hard surface, being hit or breaking a hard fall may all cause the shoulder to dislocate. Many sports increase the risk of injury to the shoulder, such as hockey, football and soccer.