In the Stimson method, how is the patient positioned to reduce a shoulder dislocation?

The Stimson method for reducing a shoulder dislocation involves positioning the patient in a specific way to effectively use gravity and leverage during the reduction process. In this method, the patient is indeed placed in a prone position with the affected arm hanging down off the edge of a sturdy surface, such as a treatment table. This position allows gravity to help realign the humeral head back into the glenoid cavity of the shoulder.

This technique capitalizes on the principle that the weight of the arm, when allowed to hang, can gently guide the shoulder joint back into its proper place. It's important to ensure the individual is stable and comfortable during this process, and this specific positioning helps facilitate the necessary movement while also minimizing the risk of further injury or discomfort. The other options do not employ the necessary mechanics of gravity and arm positioning that are key to the Stimson method’s effectiveness.