Shoulder Instability & Dislocation Treatment in Kilsyth | Physiotherapy & Myotherapy
What Is Shoulder Instability?
Shoulder instability occurs when the structures responsible for keeping the shoulder joint stable are unable to adequately control movement of the shoulder.
The shoulder is naturally one of the most mobile joints in the body. It relies on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint capsule and surrounding structures to keep the ball of the upper arm securely positioned within the shoulder socket.
Shoulder instability can develop following an injury, such as a shoulder dislocation, or may occur gradually due to repetitive overhead activity, previous injuries or naturally increased joint mobility. People with shoulder instability may describe the shoulder as feeling loose, weak or as though it may “slip out” of position.
At Physio Elements in Kilsyth, our Physiotherapists will assess shoulder instability and develop an individualised rehabilitation program to improve strength, stability and confidence with movement.
What Is a Shoulder Dislocation?
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the upper arm bone, known as the humeral head, is forced completely out of the shoulder socket.
Most shoulder dislocations occur in a forward direction and are commonly caused by falls, collisions, tackles or sporting injuries.
A shoulder can also partially move out of its normal position. This is known as a shoulder subluxation.
A dislocation is a significant injury and requires appropriate medical assessment and management. Once the shoulder has been relocated, Physiotherapy can play an important role in restoring movement, strength and stability.
What Is the Difference Between Shoulder Instability, Subluxation and Dislocation?
Although these terms are related, they describe different situations.
Shoulder instability refers to reduced stability or control of the shoulder joint. The shoulder may feel loose or as though it could move out of position.
Shoulder subluxation occurs when the ball of the shoulder partially moves out of the socket but returns to its normal position.
Shoulder dislocation occurs when the ball completely comes out of the socket and requires appropriate medical management to be repositioned.
Repeated dislocations or subluxations can contribute to ongoing shoulder instability.
What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Instability?
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and cause of the instability.
Common symptoms may include:
- A feeling that the shoulder is loose or unstable
- A sensation that the shoulder may “give way”
- Shoulder pain
- Shoulder weakness
- Clicking or popping
- A feeling that the shoulder is slipping
- Reduced confidence using the arm
- Difficulty with overhead activities
- Difficulty throwing or serving
- Pain or apprehension in certain shoulder positions
- Recurrent subluxations or dislocations
Some people experience instability without significant pain, while others may have ongoing pain following an injury.
What Are the Symptoms of a Shoulder Dislocation?
A shoulder dislocation usually causes sudden and significant symptoms.
These may include:
- Severe shoulder pain
- A visibly altered shoulder shape
- Inability or difficulty moving the arm
- Significant weakness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Numbness or tingling
- A feeling that the shoulder is out of position
A suspected shoulder dislocation should be assessed urgently by an appropriate medical professional.
Do not attempt to relocate the shoulder yourself. Even if the shoulder appears to move back into position on its own, medical assessment may still be recommended to check for associated injuries.
Once the shoulder has been medically managed, Physiotherapy can assist with the rehabilitation process.
What Causes Shoulder Instability and Dislocations?
Shoulder instability and dislocations can result from injury, repetitive movement, previous dislocations or increased joint mobility.
Sporting Injuries & Trauma
Contact sports, falls and impacts can force the shoulder beyond its normal range and cause a dislocation or instability. This is common in contact, overhead and throwing sports.
Previous Shoulder Dislocation
After a shoulder has dislocated, some people experience recurrent instability or further dislocations, particularly when returning to contact or overhead sports.
Repetitive Overhead Activity
Repeated overhead movements can place increased demands on the structures that stabilise the shoulder and may contribute to symptoms, particularly following a previous injury.
Joint Hypermobility
People with naturally increased joint mobility may be more susceptible to shoulder instability. However, increased mobility does not necessarily cause symptoms or problems.
Damage to Shoulder Structures
A dislocation can damage structures that help stabilise the shoulder, including the labrum, ligaments, joint capsule and rotator cuff. These injuries may contribute to ongoing pain or recurrent instability and may require further medical assessment.
How Is Shoulder Instability Diagnosed?
Your Physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, injury history and shoulder function.
Your assessment may include:
- Shoulder range of movement
- Shoulder strength
- Rotator cuff function
- Shoulder stability
- Shoulder blade control
- Joint mobility
- Movement patterns
- Sport-specific movements
- Previous dislocations or subluxations
- Pain and apprehension during movement
- Functional limitations
Your Physiotherapist may also assess the neck and upper back where appropriate.
Following a significant dislocation or traumatic injury, imaging such as X-ray or MRI may be recommended by your doctor or other medical professional to assess the shoulder joint and surrounding structures.
How Does Physiotherapy Help Shoulder Instability?
Physiotherapy is an important part of rehabilitation following many shoulder instability injuries and dislocations.
Treatment focuses on progressively improving the shoulder’s strength, control and ability to tolerate the demands of everyday activities, work, exercise and sport.
What Does Physiotherapy Treatment Involve?
Depending on your injury and stage of recovery, treatment may include:
Education about shoulder instability
- Activity modification
- Pain management strategies
- Shoulder mobility exercises
- Rotator cuff strengthening
- Shoulder stability exercises
- Shoulder blade control
- Proprioception and joint position exercises
- Progressive resistance training
- Sport-specific rehabilitation
- Return-to-sport planning
Your rehabilitation program will be progressed gradually according to your symptoms, strength, movement and sporting requirements.
What Exercises Help Shoulder Instability?
Exercise rehabilitation is one of the key components of managing shoulder instability.
Your Physiotherapist may prescribe exercises targeting:
- Rotator cuff strength
- Shoulder stability
- Shoulder blade control
- Proprioception
- Upper-body strength
- Movement coordination
- Endurance
- Sport-specific strength
- Power and control
Exercises may begin with low-load movements and gradually progress to more challenging activities as your shoulder becomes stronger and more confident. For athletes, rehabilitation may eventually include throwing, catching, tackling, overhead or other
sport-specific movements.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Shoulder Dislocation?
Recovery following a shoulder dislocation varies depending on the severity of the injury, whether other structures were damaged, your age, activity levels and sporting demands.
Early rehabilitation may focus on pain management and restoring appropriate movement. This can then progress into strengthening, stability training and functional rehabilitation.
Returning to high-level sport, contact sport or activities that place significant demands on the shoulder may take several months.
Your Physiotherapist can provide a more personalised rehabilitation timeframe based on your individual injury and goals.
Can a Dislocated Shoulder Happen Again?
Unfortunately, some people experience recurrent shoulder instability or further dislocations following an initial dislocation.
The risk can depend on factors including age at the time of the first dislocation, the type of injury, damage to the surrounding structures, joint mobility and the demands of the individual’s sport or activities.
Appropriate rehabilitation can help address strength, movement control and shoulder stability. However, some recurrent instability cases may require further medical assessment.
Can Shoulder Instability Be Treated Without Surgery?
Many people with shoulder instability can initially be managed with appropriate physiotherapy and rehabilitation. However, treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity and frequency of instability. If the shoulder continues to dislocate despite appropriate rehabilitation, or if significant structural damage is present, an orthopaedic assessment may be recommended to discuss further treatment options.
How Does Myotherapy Help Shoulder Instability?
Myotherapy can complement physiotherapy by addressing muscular tension and soft tissue discomfort around the shoulder, neck, chest and upper back.
Following a shoulder injury, surrounding muscles may become tight or overloaded as the body attempts to protect the joint.
What Myotherapy Techniques May Be Used?
Depending on your individual presentation, myotherapy treatment may include:
- Deep tissue massage
- Trigger point therapy
- Myofascial release
- Dry needling
- Cupping therapy
- Stretching techniques
- Mobility exercises
- Corrective exercises
Myotherapy does not directly stabilise a dislocated shoulder or repair damaged ligaments. Instead, it may help manage associated muscular tension and discomfort as part of a broader rehabilitation program.
When Should I See a Physiotherapist for Shoulder Instability?
You may benefit from physiotherapy if your shoulder feels unstable, repeatedly clicks or slips, causes apprehension during movement, or has previously dislocated or sublaxed.
Physiotherapy can help identify contributing factors, improve shoulder strength and movement control, and develop a progressive rehabilitation program to support a return to everyday activities, exercise or sport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Instability & Dislocations
Looking for Shoulder Instability & Dislocation Treatment in Kilsyth?
Whether you’ve recently dislocated your shoulder, experienced a shoulder subluxation or have ongoing feelings of shoulder instability, appropriate rehabilitation can help you work towards restoring strength, stability and confidence.
At Physio Elements in Kilsyth, our experienced Physiotherapists can assess your shoulder and develop a personalised rehabilitation program based on your injury, lifestyle, work and sporting goals.
Our Myotherapists can also assist with associated muscular tension and soft tissue discomfort as part of your overall recovery.
Book an appointment with Physio Elements today to have your shoulder assessed and start working towards a stronger, more stable shoulder.
Article reviewed by:
Jordan Tierney, Qualified Myotherapist, Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy, Physio Elements, Kilsyth. Nisha, Physiotherapist at Physio Elements, Kilsyth. Master of Physiotherapy (Orthopaedics, Sports & Manual Therapy), University of South Australia.