Treating Shoulder Instability

The shoulder is composed of the shoulder blade (scapula), collarbone (clavicle), and upper arm bone (humerus). With two joints, the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular, the shoulder is widely considered to be the least stable joint in the human body.

The shoulder can move in multiple directions, allowing you to apply force or pressure to it. This is why the shoulder is more prone to injury than any other joint in the human body.

One of the most common shoulder injuries is instability. Shoulder instability occurs when the head of your upper arm bone is forced out of your shoulder socket. This can happen as a result of a sudden injury or from overuse. You may be suffering from shoulder instability if you’re experiencing pain in your shoulder, repeated shoulder dislocations, repeated experiences of your shoulder giving out, and a sensation of your shoulder feeling loose.

Often, shoulder instability can be treated using nonsurgical methods, including activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. However, surgery may be necessary to repair torn or stretched ligaments within your joint so that they can better hold your joint in place. The shoulder doctors at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics say shoulder instability may be treated during a minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy procedure, but on occasion, patients may require an open surgery to repair the damaged ligaments.

For additional information on shoulder injuries or to schedule an appointment, contact the doctors at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics by calling (559) 256-5200 or click here to request an appointment online.