Shoulder Instability Treatment

Name: Vitalis Physiotherapy
Address: 3/58 Oldfield Road, Sinnamon Park, QLD, 4073, Australia
Telephone: 0410 559 856

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

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.

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:

Shoulder dislocation/subluxation – significant force or trauma can cause a partial slippage (subluxation) or complete dislocation of the humerus from the glenoid socket, in turn weakening or further damaging the capsule, ligaments or labrum responsible for keeping the humeral head stable in the joint.
Hyperlaxity – a dislocation does not need to be a prerequisite to developing shoulder instability, with weakened or torn ligaments (specifically the labrum) contributing to loosening of the structure, increasing instability
Genetic predisposition – some people are born with loose ligaments in their shoulder, where only minor injury or no trauma at all triggers instability.

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
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 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:

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

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.

How to book an appointment?

If you have shoulder instability, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.

All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.

You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.