60 patients with an acute anterior shoulder dislocation were randomized to either physician-guided self-reduction using the Boss-Holzach-Matter technique, or to physician-administered reduction using the Spaso technique. Patients were assessed for pain severity experienced during reduction and for the rate of successful reduction. Results demonstrated significantly lower patient-rated pain during reduction using the self-administered Boss-Holzach-Matter technique in comparison to the physician-administered Spaso technique. The rate of successful reduction did not significantly differ between groups.