Shoulder Instability: What Is It?
Shoulder Instability: What Is It?
Shoulder Instability: What Is It?
♦ What is it?
♦ Causes
Cardiovascular fitness
Shoulder flexibility
Muscle strength and endurance (Focus on strengthening of the rotator cuff
and scapularmuscles).
♦ Prognosis
¾ Studies have shown that young people that are active in sports (especially contact sports)
have a very high percentage of recurrence after shoulder dislocation. This recurrence rate
is 90% or higher. Surgery is often recommended for athletes that fall in this category.
¾ Individuals in their 30’s and older and those not inclined to participate in competitive
sports stand a better chance of avoiding future dislocations.
¾ If you undergo reconstructive shoulder surgery to restore stability, you will undergo a
supervised rehabilitation program with your physical therapist.
♦ Non-Operative Treatment
¾ Acute:
Sling or shoulder immobilizer for the duration prescribed by your health care
provider.
Ice over the shoulder 15-20 minutes 1-2 times per day.
Anti-inflammatory medication (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc) may be helpful in
reducing both pain and inflammation.
Progress into pendulum and range of motion exercises. See Below
Rotator cuff exercises and scapular (shoulder blade) muscle exercises.
See Below These should be performed PAINFREE.
Gradual return to full activity.
¾ Chronic:
Rotator cuff exercises and scapular (shoulder blade) muscle exercises.
See Below These should be performed PAINFREE.
Shoulder dynamic stability training (proprioceptive training)
Gradual return to full activity.