How to reduce a shoulder with the Cunningham technique

The Cunningham technique is a favorite amongst doctors because it doesn’t require sedation or force. It relies on the concept that the humeral head will naturally slip back into its happy place (the glenoid socket), but can’t because of muscle spasms. Before reviewing the steps for the Cunningham technique, let's talk about a few things you can do to improve your success with this technique.

The, first, and perhaps the most important, thing to do before you perform the Cunningham technique is to make sure you select the right patient. You cannot do this technique on a patient who’s anxious and has difficulty letting you get close to their shoulder.

If the patient is cooperative, let them know that you won’t hurt them, and that the procedure is painless.

Great, so you've made sure you've got the right patient. But, before you proceed, you need to gain the patient’s trust by demonstrating the procedure on their non-dislocated arm. Empower your patient with the knowledge that if they relax and decrease the muscle spasm, the shoulder will go right back in. Ask them to close their eyes and tell you about their most relaxing vacation while taking slow and deep breaths.

Once your patient is sufficiently relaxed, you can proceed with the Cunningham technique. Remember, never do any sudden or forceful movements because that will cause pain and spasms and make your job impossible.

Here are the seven steps of the Cunningham technique:

1. Have your patient sit on a chair with their back nice and straight. Sit in front of them at their level.
2. Gently and slowly bring their affected arm close to their body (adduction) with the elbow flexed.
3. Place their hand on your shoulder.
4. Lay your inside hand on their elbow for gentle traction (weight of arm is enough).
5. Remind your patient to sit up straight and breathe slowly.
6. With the outside hand, massage the trapezius, deltoid, and then the bicep, in that order. Massage (like kneading a strong dough) for about three seconds at each site.
7. Repeat this process for about one to two minutes.

After a minute or two the patient will say that they feel better. You won’t necessarily feel a clunk, but the patient will be able to bring their arm across their chest and touch their opposite shoulder!

But what if the patient is not cooperative? There are other ways of putting the shoulder back in place, such as the external rotation method, scapular manipulation, and FARES technique.

Fantastic work! You’re well on your way to mastering the Cunningham technique.

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