The beneficial effect of haemarthrosis aspiration in 13 women and one man aged over 60 years following anterior dislocation of the shoulder was compared with non-aspiration in a similar group of patients matched for age and sex. The results showed a consistent reduction in pain, early increased range of movement and earlier return of functional activity in the aspirated group. It is proposed that this simple therapeutic procedure be used to aid rehabilitation in the over-60 age group following anterior dislocation of the shoulder.