Orthopedic Animations
- 1. How do you treat a shoulder separation? Click here to view a video animation.
- 2. How do you treat chronic achilles or heel pain? Click here to view a video animation.
- 3. How do you treat a torn knee ligament (ACL)? Click here to view a video animation.
- 4. How do you treat chronic tendonitis? Click here to view a video animation.
- 5. How do you treat shoulder instability? Click here to view a video animation.
- 6. How do you treat a rotator cuff tear of the shoulder? Click here to view a video animation.
- 7. How do you manage a torn cartilage of the knee? Click here to view a video animation.
What is shoulder instability?
Shoulder instability is a problem that occurs when the structures that surround the shoulder joint (glenohumeral) do not work to maintain the ball within its socket. If the joint is too loose, is may slide out of place, a condition called shoulder subluxation. If the joint is completely out of place you are experiencing a shoulder dislocation. Patients with shoulder instability often complain of an uncomfortable sensation that their shoulder feels like it is going to slide out of place -- this is what physicians call apprehension.
Shoulder instability tends to occur in three groups of people:
1. People who have sustained a prior shoulder dislocation often develop chronic instability. In such a case the ligaments that support the shoulder are torn when the dislocation occurs. If these ligaments heal too loosely the shoulder will be prone to repeat dislocation and episodes of instability. When people under 35 yrs old sustain a traumatic dislocation, shoulder instability will follow in about 80% of patients.
2. Young athletes who compete in sports that involve overhead activities may have a loose shoulder or multidirectional instability (MDI). These athletes, such as volleyball players, swimmers, and baseball pitchers, stretch out the shoulder capsule and ligaments, and may develop chronic shoulder instability. While they may not completely dislocate the joint, the feeling of impending dislocation will prevent their ability to play these sports.
3. People with some connective tissue disorders may have loose shoulder joints. If you have a condition that causes joint laxity, or double-jointedness, your joints may be too loose throughout your body and this can lead to shoulder instability and even dislocations.
To learn more about shoulder instability treatment click on the preceding link.