Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability happens when the structures surrounding the shoulder joint do not work effectively in holding the ball (humeral head) of the shoulder in the socket (glenoid). If this happens the ball may slide downwards partially, out of place, this is known as shoulder subluxation.

What causes shoulder instability?

Causes of shoulder instability may include injury such as previous shoulder dislocation. After this type of injury the shoulder joint often remains unstable because the ligaments and cartilage that should hold the shoulder in place become stretched or torn. The more often the shoulder is dislocated, the more lax these structures become. In other cases, athletes participating regularly in sports which require repeated shoulder movements such as volleyball players or swimmers may gradually stretch out the joint capsule causing the humeral head to slip around too much within the shoulder joint. Over time this can cause irritation and pain in the shoulder.

What are the symptoms/effects of shoulder instability?

Symptoms of shoulder instability may include:

A loose feeling of the shoulder joint when the hand is raised above the head, during throwing for example

Frequent dislocations usually accompanied by significant pain and abnormal appearance of the shoulder position

Pain in the shoulder sometimes described as slipping or pinching

Physiotherapy treatment for shoulder instability

Our physiotherapists at Cleethorpes Physio Clinic are very experienced in treating shoulder instabilities. We will guide you through a structured rehabilitation programme to increase the stability and power of your shoulder so that you can confidently return to sport and functional activities. We will empower you to self-manage your ongoing rehabilitation in the hope that you will avoid re-injury.

Physiotherapy treatment may include: