Mechanism
Shoulder subluxation is a common complication of trauma or misuse and is often anterior[3] indicating movement of the humeral head anteriorly out of the glenoid fossa. The Cunningham technique involves massaging the bicipital muscle in the mid humerus, with the patient's affected arm adducted, and the elbow flexed, while the physician massages the biceps. At the same time the patient is told to move the shoulder superiorly (up), and posteriorly (back) to allow the humeral head to relocate back into the glenoid fossae.[1]
Patient is often given pain management prior to the procedure to allow tolerance of the procedure. Uncooperative patients or patients with arthritis or joint deformities are often more difficult to relocate and other methods of shoulder reduction can be utilized.