When a person’s upper arm is forced out of their shoulder socket, a dislocation occurs. There are two major reasons why something like this may occur: a freak incident or overuse. But no matter what the reason, a serious issue that patients face is shoulder instability, where the upper arm bone continues to detach from the shoulder socket, and this can become quite problematic.
Patients who have suffered a shoulder dislocation one or more times are strongly encouraged to seek assistance through a physical therapist. Trained therapists, like BoshPhysicalTherapy.com, can assess your shoulder and determine why instability is occurring.
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Causes of Shoulder Instability
The major reason why shoulder instability occurs is when the shoulder dislocates out of its regular position. A freak injury can cause this condition, such as an awkward landing or a high-speed interaction with another person while playing sports. But the dislocation is only the start of the issue,
Instability persists because the area is not at full strength. The ligaments that are keeping the shoulder in its position are weak, and the labrum may be stretched or completely torn. Your shoulder will stay in position if you are sleeping or doing minimal physical activity, but certain movements and it will pop back out.
Chronic Shoulder Instability
One of the major reasons why you may wish to see a physical therapist is if you are suffering from chronic shoulder instability. This is a serious issue, where your shoulder continues to dislocate if you work in a certain way, or you are playing sports. A therapist will work with you on dynamic stabilization drills, neuromuscular control and muscle strengthening exercises to ensure the injury does not come back anytime soon.
Degree of the Instability
Another reason to see a therapist is when the degree of your instability is more serious than you anticipated. Some patients experience a little instability, where it is nothing more than a minor inconvenience. But if you are unable to work or live your life as you did before without your shoulder acting up, working with a therapist is your best route towards full recovery. They will assess the area, prepare a rehabilitation and strengthening routine, and ensure you are back to full strength in no time!
Neuromuscular Control
A therapist will work with a patient to assess their neuromuscular control over the area. For some patients, it is not a huge issue. With a bit of treatment, their shoulder is back to its original level of strength, and control over the muscles in that area is as it should be. However, patients with a lack of neuromuscular control in the area are more likely to struggle to regain full strength.
A therapist will help with this rehabilitation, through various exercises, innovative treatments and regular checkups. The goal is to get a patient back to the same level of performance as before. While recovery may take a few weeks or months, there is no reason why a patient cannot go back to the same level and intensity of athletic performance as before.
