As we’ve talked about numerous times on the blog in the past, your shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in your body, which also means it’s the most unstable. This isn’t typically a problem for healthy shoulders, but if you suffer an injury or natural degeneration as you get older, you could develop what’s known as shoulder instability.
Shoulder instability can develop in two different forms – anterior and posterior shoulder instability. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at both types of shoulder instability and explain how the problems are commonly addressed.
- Anterior Shoulder Instability – Anterior shoulder instability is the more common of the two conditions, and it occurs when the humeral head is displaced from its normal position in the middle of the glenoid cavity. Oftentimes this occurs as a result of trauma to the area, and anterior shoulder instability is a leading underlying factor in most shoulder dislocations. It can also develop as a result of the presence of Bankart lesions or weakened rotator cuff muscles.
- Posterior Shoulder Instability – Posterior shoulder instability occurs when the humeral head is dislocated posteriorly from the glenoid socket. It tends to occur due to when a significant amount of force is applied through the arm while extending it in front of the body. Because of this, it’s more common in athletes like golfers, gymnasts and weightlifters who perform repetitive overhead actions.
Signs and symptoms of shoulder instability are pretty similar, although there are some slight differences. However, if you notice that you are dealing with shoulder pain, stiffness, a grinding sensation or the feeling that your shoulder may pop out of its socket, you may be dealing with the effects of shoulder instability.
Treating Anterior And Posterior Shoulder Instability
Treatments can also be similar, and oftentimes will begin with a course of conservative care. Your shoulder specialist will work to stabilize the area through a combination of techniques, including activity modification, physical therapy, medications to manage inflammation, rest and icing. Physical therapy will oftentimes be the most effective option of the treatments listed above.
If conservative treatments fail to provide the desired relief, surgery may be the best option. A shoulder stabilization procedure will improve function and stability in the area and allow you to perform some arm movements with much less discomfort. The unstable shoulder can be addressed using a minimally invasive arthroscopic technique to strengthen key soft tissues, or your surgeon may go with an open reduction to better visualize the site.
No matter what surgery is performed, you can expect to undergo weeks of physical therapy and similar rehab techniques to help strengthen and stabilize your surgically-addressed shoulder. These exercises will also help to improve function in your shoulder, working to expand your range of motion and flexibility. Surgery is a helpful first step, but your ability to make the strongest recovery possible will rely on how well you follow through with your rehabilitation program.
So if you are dealing with any of the symptoms listed above, or your shoulder just feels unstable and uncomfortable, reach out to Dr. Holloway to see if you may be dealing with shoulder instability. He’ll provide you with an accurate diagnosis and set you up with an individualized care plan. For more information, or for help with your shoulder issue, give his office a call today at (865) 410-7887.
