The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. People who suffer from shoulder instability struggle to control the movement of the ball (head of humerus) and the socket (glenoid). This can lead to dislocation, subluxation or pain and discomfort.
Shoulder instability often affects young athletes in many different sports. For some, the mechanism of injury may be direct contact to the area which happens regularly in contact sports such as Aussie Rules. For others, sustained and repetitive stretching of the anterior joint capsule in throwing sports, such as baseball or cricket, can cause the issue. Unfortunately for some others, they are born with an increase in laxity (looseness) in their ligaments and are more likely to experience shoulder instability. It is also a common condition in older populations where the shoulder musculature has weakened over time.
An acute episode of instability will often cause moderate to severe pain and restriction in range of motion. Unfortunately, the risk of dislocation and subluxation increases with each subsequent episode of instability as the joint capsule, tendons and ligaments get further stretched. Occasionally, an episode of instability can damage the cartilage and bony structures of the shoulder which will lead to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Physiotherapy can assist with the management of shoulder instability. Our physiotherapists will take a detailed history of your shoulder instability and identify your individual risk factors and provide an appropriate treatment plan. For some cases, this will include radiological imaging and a referral for a specialist.
The goal of physiotherapy is to restore shoulder motion and increase the strength of the muscles around shoulder. Strong muscles, especially those of the rotator cuff, are required to protect and prevent the shoulder from further dislocation or subluxation. It is particularly important to strengthen the shoulder muscles through their full range of motion to help protect the joint from further injury. Once full function of the shoulder has returned, the patient can gradually return to activities.
If you are struggling with Shoulder instability, please don’t hesitate to call our clinic on 03 9716 2250 or book online to make an appointment with one of our experienced therapists today.