Shoulder Subluxation: A Common Physical Injury During Spring Season

May 27, 2015 - PRLog -- A subluxation is a partial dislocation of the shoulder, where the humerus does not completely come out of the glenoid fossa. This is most common after trauma to the shoulder or from a fall (often on an outstretched hand.) People with loose or lax ligaments are most susceptible to this type of instability. It can even get to the point where these incidents occur while performing simple activities like putting on a shirt.

Causes

·         Weakness of the rotator cuff and laxity of the glenohumeral ligaments are the most common cause of shoulder subluxation.

·         General ligamentous laxity may predispose an individual to instability.

·         Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) at work, or overuse activities are common in people who participate in sport activities and individuals who have jobs that require performing activities of a repetitive nature, like working on an assembly line. These patients may develop instability resulting in a shoulder subluxation.

·         Those participating in activities like swimming or activities characterized by overhead motion like tennis, softball, baseball, volleyball, overhead throwing and other repetitive sport activities may aggravate the shoulder resulting in shoulder instability.

·         Certain connective tissue disorders that result in ligamentous laxity can result in shoulder instability and eventual shoulder subluxation.

·         High risk groups include over head throwing sports, swimming, wrestlers, football and basketball players.

Symptoms

·         General tenderness of the shoulder area

·         Discomfort with movement, especially with overhead activities

·         Pain with overhead activities or sleeping on the effected side

·         Feeling that the arm is “dead” after repeated activity

·         A feeling that the shoulder will “go out” when reaching up and behind the head. This is called the Apprehension Sign.

Treatment

Conservative treatment of shoulder subluxation is the first line of action. This includes physical therapy to reduce inflammation and associated pain. In addition, a regiment of exercises to improve rotator cuff strength and shoulder stability should be initiated. In more chronic cases of subluxation or instability involving the glenoid labrum, surgical intervention may be necessary.

·         Therapeutic Exercises including strengthening exercises to improve strength of the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder and increase stability.

·         Modalities that can include the use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice, cold laser and others to decrease pain and inflammation at the shoulder and tendons.

·         Home program that includes strengthening, stretching and stabilization exercises as well as instructions to help the person perform daily tasks and advance to the next functional level.

PhysioMax Wellness in Burlington Ontario provides various tips and treatments for every client's needs. Healthcare providers from this clinic are very knowledgeable about the treatments needed by patients in order to help them recover from their injuries. This multidisciplinary clinic in Burlington Ontario provides Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Massage Therapy in order to tend to any kind of injuries and prevent issues from occurring in the first place. Please contact us or visit www.physiomaxwellness.ca for more detailed information.