Shoulder instability
There are many causes for shoulder instability. Physiotherapy and orthoses are important elements of therapy success.
Causes, symptoms and treatment
The shoulder joint is one of three synovial joints in the shoulder girdle. It is a highly mobile joint controlled by muscles. Various factors can lead to instability in the shoulder region.
Ottobock supports and orthoses
Causes
Shoulder instability can have various causes. In some cases, overstretched capsular ligament structures or disturbances in muscle function trigger the unstable situation in the shoulder joint. Other cases have traumatic or postoperative causes.
Shoulder instability frequently relates to the upper arm-shoulder blade joint (glenohumeral joint). In severe cases, however, the entire shoulder girdle with all three synovial and two cartilaginous joints may be affected.
An instability can lead to a dislocation. In this case, the joint head of the upper arm no longer sits in its normal position in the joint socket formed by the shoulder blade (scapula).
Symptoms
One of the main symptoms of an acute shoulder dislocation caused, for example, by excessive laxity of the capsular ligament structures, is limited mobility in the shoulder joint along with pain. This is accompanied by sudden pain and pain during movement as well as an altered shoulder shape with an indentation on the acromion (the bony process on the scapula). Vessels and nerves in the area of the armpit are often damaged, which can lead to circulatory disorders and therefore to unpleasant sensations in the arm.
Diagnosis
Shoulder instability is diagnosed by an orthopaedist after taking a detailed medical history and assessing the findings. Imaging procedures such as X-rays, computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide further information about the exact state of the shoulder. Accompanying muscle injuries can be diagnosed or ruled out at the same time.
Therapy
While the therapy for shoulder instability is highly individual, a conservative approach is usually taken in the form of physiotherapy. A particular focus is stabilising the muscles in the entire shoulder region. Orthoses are commonly used so that healing is not delayed by uncontrolled movements.
In cases where the patient no longer has just ligamentous laxity but subsequent injuries as well, surgery is often necessary followed by rehabilitation and immobilisation of the operating site for three to 12 weeks. The goal is to restore the original state with the help of appropriate physiotherapy, lymphatic drainage and movement therapy. Orthoses can also stabilise the joint and prevent unnecessary pain in this situation.
Back to everyday activities: three steps to an Ottobock orthotic
- Here you’ll find an overview of all the orthotics and supports that could potentially help you. Take the list with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
- Talk to your doctor about which orthotic is best suited to your symptoms and condition. Your doctor can then write you a prescription for the appropriate orthotic.
- Take your prescription to a medical supply company. They’ll give you your new orthotic and adjust it to fit your exact body measurements.