INSTABILITY & WEAKNESS
INSTABILITY & WEAKNESS
Shoulder instability/weakness is a common condition regularly seen by physiotherapists at Farrell Physiotherapy. Your shoulder is a ball and socket joint and is held in place by the surrounding structures including muscles.
WHAT IS SHOULDER INSTABILITY/WEAKNESS?
Shoulder instability happens when the structures surrounding the shoulder joint are weak and therefore do not hold the shoulder in place correctly. If the joint is too loose it may slide partially out of place and this is called shoulder subluxation. If the shoulder joint comes completely out of place this is called dislocation.
WHAT CAUSES SHOULDER INSTABILITY / WEAKNESS?
Shoulder instability often occurs after a trauma which may partially or fully dislocate the shoulder such as a fall on an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the shoulder and frequently occurs in sports such as rugby.
Shoulder instability can also come on gradually due to repeated stresses to the shoulder joint related to repetitive end range shoulder movements such as swimming or throwing.
Rarely, shoulder instability is caused by a general ligament laxity in the body- commonly referred to as double jointed.
HOW IS SHOULDER INSTABILITY/WEAKNESS DIAGNOSED?
Your physiotherapist can carry out a full shoulder examination to determine whether you have shoulder instability and can rule out other causes of your shoulder problem. Other investigations such as an X-ray or CT scan may also assist in diagnosis and see if any other structures are involved.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SHOULDER INSTABILITY/WEAKNESS?
The symptoms over shoulder instability vary from person to person. Some people may experience little or no symptoms and in atraumatic shoulder instability the early symptoms may include the shoulder subluxing or shoulder pain/ache during certain activities.
Post-traumatic shoulder instability is usually reported with a specific and painful incident and often the shoulder will have dislocated or subluxed.
People with shoulder instability often feel a clunking, clicking or popping sensation in their shoulder following certain movements.
WHAT TREATMENT CAN FARRELL PHYSIOTHERAPY OFFER FOR SHOULDER INSTABILITY/WEAKNESS?
Physiotherapy for shoulder instability is necessary in order to speed up the healing process and strengthen the shoulder to prevent the instability occurring.
Despite the necessary physiotherapy, some people require other intervention in order to get the best outcome. Further investigations may be required such as scans and occasionally surgery is required to repair the connective tissue holding the shoulder in place.
Progressive strengthening exercises to improve rotator cuffe and shoulder strength and also stability
BENEFIT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR SHOULDER INSTABILITY/WEAKNESS?
Most cases of shoulder instability respond well to physiotherapy and there are several benefits of physiotherapy for shoulder instability including:
Don't Let Pain Win!
Our Expert Physiotherapists in Witham and Chelmsford specialise in providing the latest treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or click below to book online!
Same day and emergency appointments available most of the time.
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We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
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Witham Leisure Centre, Spinks Ln, Witham, Essex, CM8 1EP
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