Shoulder instability isn’t the most common shoulder diagnosis seen in physical therapy, but if not treated with a targeted course of physical therapy, it can prevalent the person from being able to enjoy the activities they love. Shoulder instability can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common causes are from dislocation, repetitive strain especially with overhead motions, and multidirectional instability where the patient is predisposed to laxity of joints and ligaments and may have been told they’re “double jointed.”

Shoulder dislocations are commonly the cause of instability which occur from trauma, sports injury, or a fall on an outstretched arm. The dislocation occurs when the humeral head (ball of upper arm bone) is no longer in contact with the glenoid fossa (socket) of the shoulder and can cause injury or tear of the labrum, joint capsule, or ligaments. The dislocation can occur in three directions: anterior, posterior, or inferior. Anterior dislocations account for 95% of all dislocations and are much more common in males under the age of 40.

Shoulder dislocations can be categorized as either partial or complete and are named based on what happens to the humeral head (ball of the upper arm). A partial dislocation, commonly referred to as subluxation, occurs when the humeral head is only partially out of the socket. A complete dislocation means the ball is entirely out of the socket.

Common symptoms of shoulder instability include:

-       Pain from the subluxation or dislocation

-       Repeated shoulder dislocations

-       The shoulder “giving out” with everyday tasks

-       The shoulder feels loose, like it’s “hanging there,” or a sensation like it’s going to slip in/out of the joint

Shoulder instability symptoms are different from rotator cuff tendinitis/tendinopathy or subacromial impingement symptoms, but still affect how a person is able to perform their normal daily activities. Conservative care including a thorough course of physical therapy is the recommended first step for management of shoulder instability. Physical therapy will focus on shoulder control for improved stability, a well-rounded strengthening program, a thorough home exercise program, along with education for activity modification to be able to safely perform daily activities.

If you are interested in learning more or about treatment options, don’t hesitate to call/text 701-318-4731 or email connectptnd@gmail.com to learn how we can help. Don’t forget to follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the happenings at Connect Physical Therapy.