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Home » Products tagged “Shoulder Instability”

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability is a common condition that occurs when the structures supporting the shoulder joint become compromised, leading to recurrent dislocations or subluxations. It can significantly impact an individual’s daily activities and quality of life.

This article aims to provide an overview of shoulder instability, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of shoulder instability is a recurring sensation of the shoulder slipping out of place or feeling loose. Other symptoms may include:

Pain:Persistent or intermittent pain in the shoulder joint, which can range from mild to severe.
Instability: A feeling of shoulder instability or looseness, especially during specific movements or activities.
Dislocations or Subluxations: Partial or complete dislocations where the shoulder comes out of the joint and requires manual reduction or spontaneously relocates itself.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder through its full range of motion due to pain, weakness, or apprehension.
Muscle Weakness: Weakness or loss of strength in the affected shoulder, particularly when lifting or performing overhead activities.

Causes

Shoulder instability can occur due to various factors, including:

Traumatic Injury: An acute shoulder injury, such as a fall, collision, or forceful impact, can lead to shoulder dislocation or instability.
Repetitive Overhead Activities: Engaging in repetitive overhead motions, as seen in sports like swimming, throwing, or weightlifting, can gradually stretch or damage the shoulder ligaments, contributing to instability.
Ligament or Labral Tears: Tears in the shoulder ligaments or labrum, which are soft tissues that stabilize the joint, can increase the risk of shoulder instability.
Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to looser or more lax ligaments, making them more susceptible to shoulder instability.
Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or imbalances in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint can impact stability and contribute to instability.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing shoulder instability typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, which may include:

Medical History

The doctor will inquire about the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and any previous shoulder injuries or dislocations.

Physical Examination

The healthcare provider will perform a physical examination, assessing shoulder range of motion, stability, strength, and signs of instability.

Imaging Tests

X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans may be ordered to assess the bony structures, ligaments, and labrum in the shoulder joint.

Treatment

The treatment approach for shoulder instability depends on various factors, including the severity of the instability, underlying causes, and the patient’s goals. Common treatment options include:

Non-Surgical Management

– Rest and Immobilization: Temporary immobilization using an arm sling to allow the shoulder to heal and reduce further instability.
– Physical Therapy: Specific exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve stability, and enhance shoulder range of motion.
– Anti-inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Surgical Intervention

– Arthroscopic Stabilization: Minimally invasive surgery to repair or tighten the torn or stretched ligaments using sutures or anchors.
– Open Stabilization: In severe cases or when additional repairs are needed, open surgery may be performed to stabilize the shoulder joint.
– Rehabilitation: Post-surgical rehabilitation involves a tailored physical therapy program to regain strength, range of motion, and shoulder stability.

Prevention

While it may not be possible to prevent all instances of shoulder instability, there are measures individuals can take to reduce the risk:
– Maintain strong shoulder muscles through regular strengthening exercises.
– Avoid excessive or repetitive overhead motions without proper technique and conditioning.
– Use proper protective equipment and techniques during sports or activities with a higher risk of shoulder injury.

Conclusion

Shoulder instability can significantly impact an individual’s daily activities and quality of life. Early recognition, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment can help prevent further complications and restore stability to the shoulder joint.

If you experience symptoms of shoulder instability, consult with a healthcare professional to receive a proper evaluation and determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific condition.

Suggested Shoulder Instability Products

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Brand

DJO(1)
LP® Support(1)
Mueller® Sports Medicine(2)
Renfrew Athletics(1)

Product Category

Taping, Wrapping & Padding(3)
- Athletic Tape(3)
  - Cohesive Athletic Tape(1)
  - Elastic Adhesive Tape(1)
  - Zinc Oxide Tape(1)
Orthopedic Bracing & Support(2)
- Shoulder Brace(2)

Price Range

In Stock
Professional Trainers Tape
Zinc Oxide Tape
Rated 5.00 out of 5

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Renfrew Tape (#188 Professional Trainers Tape) is Canadian made from premium bleached cotton back cloth coated with a zinc oxide-impregnated rubber adhesive.
- Useful for treating sprains, strains and other sports injuries involving joints and soft tissues
- Can also be applied to weak or vulnerable joints for additional support during athletically demanding activities
- Effectively supports smaller joints such as fingers, wrists or even ankles.
- 100% Canadian made
- Fully tearable
- Premium quality zinc oxide adhesive
- Can be effectively used in combination with a self adhesive tape like Andover Powerflex
Please see below for additional information about Renfrew Tape (#188 Professional Trainers Tape).
In Stock

Shoulder Support
Shoulder Brace
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The LP Shoulder Supports promotes rapid healing of your dislocated or otherwise damaged shoulder and helps you return gradually to a full range of motion.
Sully Shoulder Brace
Shoulder Brace
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The Sully Shoulder Brace provides breathability and shoulder support to treat a wide variety of shoulder injuries including shoulder strains, shoulder separation and rotator cuff deceleration. You can also use it in the post operative stages to assist recovery from shoulder surgery. The brace fits both right and left shoulders. It includes a vest, pad and adhesive backed hock material that ensures reliable attachment in the correct therapeutic position. The pad can also be purchased separately for use with other shoulder supports. Available in sizes Large, Medium and Small.
In Stock

TapeWrap Premium
Cohesive Athletic Tape
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Mueller Sports Medicine TapeWrap is a breathable and cohesive bandage that offers an alternative to DynaPro SelfWrap or Andover PowerFlex.
In Stock

Tear Light Tape
Elastic Adhesive Tape
Rated 5.00 out of 5

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Mueller Sports Medicine Tear Light® Tape is a light adhesive tape featuring excellent conformability and easy tearing and unwinding.

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*DISCLAIMER: Please note that, although Dunbar Medical distributes many premier brands in Sports Medicine and Home Health Care, we do not provide medical advice. As a result, we caution all users of this site not to regard its contents as medical, legal or other professional advice. Please do not attempt to use the information on this site to understand or treat any health or fitness problem or disease you may be experiencing. Instead, please seek the advice and assistance of a healthcare professional in order to understand the treatments or therapies that are appropriate for your particular condition.

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