Shoulder instability can occur as a result of a traumatic injury from sports, exercise, or an accident, or connective tissue problems. It can feel like your shoulder is sliding around too much or has slipped out of place. It may feel weak and unstable, as if it could give out at any moment. You may also experience pain, and a popping or clicking sensation when moving your shoulder.
You rely on your shoulder for arm movements that are necessary for innumerable daily life activities. Early treatment is critical to avoid complications such as dislocations and shoulder arthritis. Below are some of the best shoulder instability options doctors recommend to patients.
Physical Therapy for Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability can be treated successfully with physical therapy, and it is often the first choice of treatment for most doctors. Physical therapy for shoulder instability focuses on strengthening the muscles and ligaments around the joint, so they can better support it.
Examples of physical therapy exercises are:
- Shoulder shrugs: These help strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint and improve stability.
- External rotation exercises: This exercise helps stretch out the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder joint, improving range of motion.
- Internal rotation exercises: This strengthens the rotator cuff muscles, helping to stabilize the shoulder joint.
The physical therapist may also use such modalities as ice, heat, and ultrasound to promote blood flow to the area, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. Physical therapy is also a critical part of post-operative care.
Surgery for Shoulder Instability
Surgery may be recommended if you have severe shoulder dislocation. The orthopedic doctor can use different techniques to achieve their goal, which is to stabilize the shoulder joint. Depending on your specific needs, the doctor may repair a torn labrum, which is the cartilage at the end of the shoulder socket, fill in the dent in the ball portion of the shoulder joint, or repair a damaged shoulder socket using donor parts. Surgery for shoulder instability can be performed using arthroscopy, which allows for smaller incisions and state-of-the-art tools to perform the necessary repairs.
Arthroscopic surgery for shoulder instability is minimally invasive, which can translate to less pain, a lower risk of complications, and an easier and faster recovery for patients. Make sure to choose an orthopedic shoulder surgeon that is highly experienced in arthroscopic shoulder surgery for the best outcome.
Shoulder Instability Treatment in Noblesville, IN
Board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Dr. Stephen Jacobsen at Total Shoulder in Carmel, Indiana, is dedicated to the treatment of all manner of shoulder problems. Dr. Jacobsen has advanced treatment in the latest surgical techniques in shoulder repair and performs surgeries at Riverview Health Hospital. However, he believes in first exhausting non-surgical methods to treat shoulder instability before recommending surgery. Dr. Jacobsen treats each patient with respect and compassion. Physical therapy, which is critical to treating shoulder instability, is available on-site in our Carmel, Noblesville, and Westfield locations.
Your health and time are valuable to us, and our staff ensures you are given the best options for convenience. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jacobsen, call our office today at (317) 705-4392 or use our convenient online request form. The entire team at Total Shoulder is committed to helping you achieve relief from your painful shoulder symptoms.
