Shoulder instability includes dislocations as well as subluxations. A dislocation is when the shoulder joint completely separates, a subluxation is when it partially comes out of its socket. Dislocations can be due to trauma, such as a skiing accident and falling onto the shoulder. This trauma forces the shoulder out of its socket when it did not have underlying instability. In this form of dislocation the most common place the the shoulder dislocates is towards the front of the shoulder. Once the shoulder has been put back in place (reduced) it will need physiotherapy to improve the muscle strength around the joint. Without this strengthening it can dislocate or give you pain with activity.
A shoulder can dislocate without trauma, which is generally associated with too much flexibility (hyperflexibility) in your joints. These type of shoulders need intensive physiotherapy strengthening to help reduce the occurrence of dislocations.Surgery may also be suggested if the shoulder continues to dislocate frequently.
Shoulders may also be unstable but not sublux or dislocate. This form of shoulder instability is much more subtle and may only present a problem when playing particular sports that put a lot of strain on the shoulder such as throwing sports or swimming. Once again, physiotherapy involving strengthening and also myofascial release are useful in returning your shoulder to full function. If you are having problems with shoulder instability, book an appointment with e-physiotherapy Edinburgh.
