Shoulder Instability
If parts of the joint are injured, the shoulder can become unstable in one or many directions.
- Can cause pain and hindered movement
The most common instability is anterior.
- When the humerus moves too far to the front of the joint
Signs and Symptoms
- Symptoms, which often occur when the arm is in certain positions, include:
- -Apprehension or the feeling your shoulder is going to pop out of place
- -Pain especially with overhead activities
- -A catching, locking, popping or grinding sensation
- -Weakness or stiffness
What causes shoulder instability?
There are two main causes:
- Injury: the leading cause
- -A common example is traumatic shoulder dislocation
- -May result in a torn labrum
- -Once the labrum is torn, it is much easier for the humerus to slip out of its socket
- Laxity: looseness in the shoulder joint
- -May be congenital
- -Develop over time with trama
- -Dislocations or in athletes who perform overhead activities (eg, swimmers, throwers)
- -Once the capsule is stretched, it may remain loose and may lead to recurrent instability
Making your Shoulder Stable
- Takes time
- May begin with physical therapy
- -Work on decreasing pain and improving shoulder function with a therapist
- -Exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the joint
Surgical Treatment: Shoulder Arthroscopy
- For certain injuries or if a trial of physical therapy does not restore stability
- Often, this type of procedure makes your shoulder “tighter” than before
- -A benefit because the shoulder is less likely to dislocate