Final answer:
When a shoulder joint is suspected to be dislocated, positions that involve abduction or elevation of the arm above shoulder level are contraindicated. It is crucial to avoid such positions in order to prevent worsening of the injury and complications like adhesive capsulitis ('frozen shoulder').
Step-by-step explanation:
Positions that are contraindicated when a shoulder joint is suspected to be dislocated include any that involve significant movement or pressure on the joint, particularly those that would exacerbate the dislocation. Activities involving abduction or elevation of the arm above shoulder level should be avoided since these actions may increase pain and worsen the injury. This is especially true in cases where the force has been applied to the humerus when the arm is fully abducted, such as when diving to catch a baseball and landing on your hand or elbow, which is a common mechanism of injury leading to an inferior dislocation of the shoulder.
Following a shoulder injury, it is also important to be cautious of the potential development of adhesive capsulitis ("frozen shoulder"), which can result from inflammation and the subsequent formation of scar tissue. This condition significantly reduces shoulder mobility, emphasizing the importance of avoiding inappropriate movements and following proper medical advice and rehabilitation protocols to prevent further complications.