Shoulder trauma has likely existed since the dawn of humanity, and its history mirrors the evolution of trauma management, from empirical manipulation to evidence-based orthopaedic practice. Orthopaedic treatment was first described in the Edwin Smith Papyrus (circa 1300 BC), although the earliest detailed documentation appears in the Hippocratic Corpus. Hippocrates introduced the “heel-in-axilla” technique, using counter-traction with the physician’s foot, which laid the foundation for modern biomechanical reduction principles. In the 2nd century CE, Galen refined these manoeuvres and introduced post-reduction immobilisation. During the Renaissance, further advancements emerged, incorporating a deeper understanding of glenohumeral anatomy and neurovascular preservation. The 19th century saw the development of named reduction techniques, such as those of Kocher, Milch, and Stimson, which relied on principles of leverage and controlled external rotation. The advent of radiography in the early 20th century allowed for more accurate diagnosis and post-reduction confirmation, while the introduction of anaesthesia significantly reduced complications. Modern management now integrates procedural sedation, early rehabilitation, and MRI assessment of associated injuries such as Bankart and Hill Sachs lesions. The historical progression of shoulder reduction thus exemplifies the transformation from forceful, empirical methods to precise, patient-centred orthopaedic care grounded in anatomy, imaging, and safety.