Shoulder Instability Treatment in Sinnamon Park

Shoulder instability is condition where the humeral head frequently slips out or feels loose in glenoid socket, often causing significant pain and weakness, worsening pre-existing injuries or conditions. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment of shoulder instability aims to:

Improve Strength Restore Balance Reduce Pain

About the condition

What is shoulder instability?

The shoulder is an incredibly mobile and dynamic ‘ball-and-socket’ joint in the body responsible for most arm and upper body movement. Structural issues and pre-existing shoulder injuries can result in the lining of the shoulder joint (capsule), ligaments or labrum being overstretched, causing the humeral head (top of the upper arm bone) to partially (subluxation) or completely slip out (dislocate) of the socket. This is especially evident after shoulder dislocations, where the vulnerability or re-occurrence of slippage is increased or exacerbated.

Causes

What are the causes?

Shoulder instability typically occurs or worsens over time due to an acute or chronic injury and/or pre-existing shoulder conditions. The three main causes include:

Genetic predisposition– some people are born with loose ligaments in their shoulder, where only minor injury or no trauma at all triggers instability.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

Pain – mild to severe; in shoulder/shoulder blade/neck
Repeated shoulder dislocations/instances of shoulder ‘giving out’Can be triggered by everyday activites, sports (e.g. throwing), injuries
Can be triggered by everyday activites, sports (e.g. throwing), injuries
Stiffness/inability to move the arm or shoulder
Reduced range of motion
Persistent sensation of a ‘loose shoulder’/slippage from joint
Muscle weakness/tension/tenderness
Co-morbid/differential diagnoses of other shoulder or spinal conditions, e.g. shoulder dislocations, labral tears, etc.

Treatment

Treatment for shoulder instability

If you suspect you have shoulder instability and/or related symptoms, it is important to immediately see a physiotherapist or medical professional. You may also be referred for imaging tests to determine the cause and extent of the condition.

Physical therapy is highly beneficial in improving strength, range of motion, and reducing pain. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

If the pain and reduced movement is severe, driving and strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use neck support or a suitable pillow.

Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
Restoring range of movement
Postural improvement
Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
Shockwave Therapy
Dry needling
Taping
A unique home exercise program
Graded Exposure to load program

Shoulder Instability Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What is shoulder instability?

What are the causes?

What are the symptoms?

Treatment for shoulder instability

Treating Shoulder Instability in Sinnamon Park

Get it assessed properly