Shoulder Instability Treatment in New York
What is shoulder instability?
Shoulder instability is a common problem among athletes in certain sports as well as those who have previously suffered a shoulder injury. Shoulder dislocations, for example, can tear the ligaments, muscles, and tendons that help hold your shoulder in place. When this occurs, the shoulder may take a long time to recover and can continue to be weaker and unstable for a long time. This makes patients more prone to future injuries, which can disrupt sports and other activities. The best way to manage a weak or unstable shoulder is by undergoing physical therapy or other ongoing treatment options.
At Performance Health in NYC and Pearl River, our board-certified sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, and specialists are experts in treating shoulder instability. Learn more about our shoulder instability treatments below, or request an appointment using the form on this page.
What causes shoulder instability?
Shoulder instability is usually caused by a previous shoulder dislocation, but in some cases can be caused by other factors. The following may cause shoulder weakness or instability:
- Shoulder dislocation
- Repeated shoulder motions during sports
- Baseball
- Volleyball
- Swimming
- Genetic predisposition
What are the symptoms of shoulder instability?
If you believe you may be suffering from an unstable shoulder, visiting Performance Health for a consultation is the first step toward building your shoulder strength. Signs and symptoms that your shoulder may be unstable include the following:
- Your shoulder feels “loose”
- You hay mild, aching pain in your shoulder
- You have had one or more shoulder dislocations
- You have had shoulder injuries in the past
- You participate in daily activities that require repetitive shoulder motion (during sports or work)
What are the risk factors for shoulder instability?
Any person can suffer from an unstable shoulder, despite gender or age. However, certain factors can increase your chances of suffering from shoulder instability:
- Sports – Participating in sports that involve constant, repetitive shoulder movement can weaken your shoulder and make you more prone to shoulder instability and injuries.
- Workplace – If your daily activities at work require repetitive shoulder movement, you are at an increased risk of developing an unstable shoulder or a shoulder injury.
- Genetics – Certain hereditary factors can predispose you to having weaker shoulders and an increased chance of shoulder injury.
How is shoulder instability diagnosed?
At Performance Health, our doctors can recognize shoulder instability and recommend the best treatment options for your unique situation during a consultation. The diagnostic exam usually involves asking a few simple questions about your background, involvement in sports, etc. and examining the range of motion of your shoulder. Your doctor may also request that you undergo other diagnostic testing to help diagnose your shoulder concern.
What are some shoulder instability treatment options?
Shoulder instability can usually be treated through non-surgical therapies, including:
- Physical therapy and myofascial release
- Pain management
- Sports medicine and rehabilitation
- Massage therapy
- Regenerative and alternative medicine
If you are suffering from shoulder pain, the first step to improving your health and returning to your normal activities is to schedule an evaluation at Performance Health. Our physicians can help you get back to performance-level health. Call one of our New York offices at 212.486.8616, or fill out the form on this page to request an appointment now.