Shoulder Instability

What is shoulder instability?

Shoulder instability is categorized as excessive translation of the humeral head at the shoulder joint. This can lead to pain and loss of shoulder function.

What are the causes of Shoulder instability?

There are different types of shoulder instability, first, is directly as a result of trauma causing structural changes to the joint. There can also be instability with structural changes to the joint without a traumatic event. Finally, instability where there is no evidence of structural changes but abnormal muscle patterning.

How can Physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy aims to build up the strength to the surrounding structures, the rotator cuff muscles, to help support the joint and prevent excessive joint motion. During the programme, exercises will start with strengthening without movement and gradually progress to moving through range, supporting body weight and eventually working towards dynamic exercises.

Provided below is a link to the Derby Shoulder Instability Programme which details a progressive programme used to help return to sport or previous activity for someone with shoulder instability.

https://www.schoudernetwerk.nl/wp- content/uploads/2022/03/Plyometrie.Derby-Shoulder-MDI- Rehabilitation.Bateman.2013.pdf