How is shoulder instability treated?

Shoulder instability means the ball-and-socket joint moves too far or feels as though it may slip. It can follow a dislocation, an injury to stabilising tissues, or repeated overhead stress. Popping, apprehension, or weakness can occur, but the treatment plan depends on the direction of movement, tissue injury, age, activity and examination findings.

Avoid positions that repeatedly produce slipping or a sense of danger, especially forceful overhead or behind-the-head movements, until assessed. Physiotherapy usually develops rotator-cuff and shoulder-blade strength, coordination and confidence in stages. After a dislocation, follow the clinician's guidance about support and return to activity. If the shoulder keeps dislocating or remains unstable despite rehabilitation, shoulder stabilisation surgery may be discussed.

Get urgent care if the shoulder suddenly looks out of place, cannot be moved normally, or is accompanied by severe pain, numbness, or a cold or pale hand. A shoulder that has reduced by itself still needs assessment, particularly after a first episode. Prompt review is also sensible for recurrent giving-way or increasing weakness.

Ask which positions are unsafe, whether imaging is needed, how rehabilitation should progress, and what pattern of instability would make stabilisation surgery reasonable.