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Prevention of Developing Shoulder Subluxation - Treatment and Exercises

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Prevention of shoulder subluxation is possible with the help of exercises, physiotherapy, and some lifestyle modifications. Read this article to learn more.

Written byDr. Pooja Tiwari

Medically reviewed byDr. Suman Saurabh

Published At February 28, 2023
Reviewed AtApril 13, 2024

Introduction

Shoulder subluxation is a condition that can occur when the shoulder joint becomes unstable. It can lead to pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty using the arm. In severe cases, shoulder subluxation can even lead to dislocation, but it can be prevented by following simple tips such as lifestyle modification, exercises, and posture maintenance.

What Is Shoulder Subluxation?

Shoulder subluxation is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes dislocated. This happens when the shoulder muscles weaken or the shoulder joint is overused. An injury can also be a causal factor. Shoulder subluxation is a serious condition and can lead to long-term damage to the shoulder joint. Therefore, prevention is important to stop this condition from developing.

What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Subluxation?

If someone is experiencing any of the following symptoms, they may have shoulder subluxation:

  • Shoulder pain.

  • Inability to raise the arm.

  • Popping or grinding sound in the shoulder.

  • Shoulder feels unstable or "wobbly."

One must visit a physician immediately if experiencing any of these symptoms. If left untreated, shoulder subluxation can lead to further injuries.

What Causes Shoulder Subluxation?

The two most common causes are trauma or overuse of the shoulder joint. Traumas include falls, direct hits to the shoulder, or any other kind of violent force to the area. Overuse can occur from repetitive motions such as throwing a ball for an extended period, participating in sports with many contacts, or using a computer for long hours. All of these activities put a strain on the joint, which can cause subluxation.

What Are the Available Treatment for Shoulder Subluxation?

A few treatment options are available if a person has been diagnosed with shoulder subluxation. The doctor may prescribe a course of physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. One may also need to wear a sling or brace to support the arm and keep the shoulder in place. Surgery is required in some cases to correct the problem. The doctor will discuss all the available treatment options and help choose the best one. The following are examples of treatments:

  • Closed Reduction: In this scenario, a doctor gently tries to move the bone back into place. The severe pain should go away almost immediately once this is accomplished.

  • Surgery: If dislocations recur, this may be considered. It may also be the preferred treatment when the shoulder's nerves, blood vessels, or ligaments have been damaged.

  • Shoulder Brace: To stop the shoulder from moving, a person may need to wear a splint, brace, or sling for a few days or weeks. The duration will be determined by the degree of dislocation. Doctors recommend that individuals choose and purchase shoulder brace for treating shoulder luxation.

  • Medication: This may involve a muscle relaxant and an anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen for pain and swelling.

A doctor may suggest a rehabilitation program after surgery or time spent in a sling. The objective is to restore the shoulder joint's strength, stability, and range of motion.

How to Prevent Shoulder Subluxation?

Prevention of shoulder subluxation is important to maintain good posture and functionality. To strengthen the shoulder muscles, exercises like arm circles, plank holds, and wall angels help build strength and stability in the shoulder.

Additionally, stretching the chest muscles before and after exercise can help reduce injury risk by increasing the range of motion. Stretching can also be done throughout the day to release tension that accumulates in the shoulders.

Lastly, being unmindful of posture when sitting or standing for long periods can also lead to subluxation. To maintain proper posture while seated, keep the back straight and ensure the chair is high enough so one's feet are flat on the ground. When standing, keep the core muscles engaged and tuck in the chin slightly to keep the head level with the spine.

Exercises: The exercises listed below may assist in improving the stability of the shoulder joint. On the other hand, a physical therapist can recommend a personalized exercise plan for each patient to follow at home. The exercises listed below may help improve shoulder stability:

  • Shoulders Flexors - With outstretched arms, stand in front of a wall. Bend the elbows at an angle of 90 degrees while raising the forearm. Make a fist with the palm facing down and try to push it into the wall gently.

  • Shoulders Extensors - Stand with one's back against a wall and arms outstretched. With the elbows bent at a 90 degrees angle, raise the forearms. Make an effort to wedge the elbows' backs against the wall.

  • Shoulders Abductor - Place the injured side against a wall while standing. Then, try moving the entire arm sideways into the wall while raising the arm with the elbow bent.

Before beginning any exercises at home, consult a physician or physical therapist. Exercises that are appropriate for the injury vary. In addition, some exercises can make symptoms worse for some people. A physical therapist may suggest the following in addition to exercises:

  • Avoid certain activities or movements.

  • Therapeutic massage.

  • Ice joint mobilization.

What Is the Recovery Rate of Shoulder Subluxation?

The shoulder joint should heal quickly in an injured person with subluxation and no major nerve or tissue damage. However, a person is more likely to suffer a subsequent dislocation if they become active too quickly. When someone has surgery for a dislocated shoulder, a doctor often tells them to wear a sling for a few weeks. Then, physical therapy can be gradually introduced to help a person regain strength and range of motion. To avoid aggravating the condition, it is best not to move the shoulder too much.

When to See a Doctor About Shoulder Subluxation?

If any of the symptoms of shoulder subluxation are seen, it is important to see a doctor immediately. The doctor will likely begin by taking the medical history, performing a physical exam, and asking questions about the pain. If necessary, they may also order an X-ray or other imaging tests to understand better what is happening inside the shoulder joint. From there, the doctor can diagnose, recommend appropriate treatments, or suggest lifestyle tweaks to prevent further injury.

Conclusion

In short, shoulder subluxation is a condition that can be treated and prevented with the right information and precautions. By understanding the symptoms and causes of shoulder subluxation, individuals can take the necessary steps to protect themselves from developing this condition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Shoulder subluxation often feels like the shoulder joint moves partially out of its normal position and then quickly returns. This can result in sharp, intense pain and instability in the shoulder.

The seriousness of a shoulder subluxation can vary from a minor and temporary episode of discomfort to a more serious scenario in which the joint experiences recurring issues, possibly resulting in persistent instability.

The duration of a shoulder subluxation's healing can differ due to variables such as the severity of the injury, an individual's healing speed, and how well treatment instructions are followed. In general, minor instances might necessitate a couple of weeks of recovery, whereas more serious cases could entail several months of rehabilitation.

The healing timeline for a shoulder subluxation depends on factors like the extent of the injury, individual healing rates, and treatment adherence. Generally, mild cases might take a few weeks to recover, while more severe cases could require several months of rehabilitation.

Treatment options for managing shoulder subluxation may include rest, ice, pain management, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the shoulder joint. If the subluxations are severe or recurrent, a doctor might recommend immobilization or even surgery.

Yes, repeated or severe shoulder subluxations can potentially lead to permanent damage, including ligament or labral tears, muscle imbalances, and chronic instability in the joint.

While some cases of shoulder subluxation can be effectively managed and treated to reduce symptoms and improve joint stability, a complete "cure" might not always be possible, especially in cases of chronic instability. Treatment focuses on preventing further subluxations and managing symptoms.

Occasional subluxations might occur due to certain activities, but they are not considered "normal" in the sense of being healthy or desirable. Chronic or recurrent subluxations could indicate an underlying issue that requires attention.

Sleeping while dealing with a shoulder subluxation can cause discomfort. Individuals may lie on their backs with a pillow placed beneath the impacted arm for added support to alleviate this. Avoid sleeping on the side of the affected shoulder, as it could potentially exacerbate the situation.

Though home remedies cannot entirely substitute professional medical attention, individuals can take certain measures to alleviate symptoms. These include resting the shoulder, using ice to reduce swelling, utilizing over-the-counter pain medications, and engaging in mild range-of-motion exercises as recommended by a healthcare professional.

Individuals who participate in activities involving repetitive overhead motions, such as athletes in sports like baseball, swimming, or volleyball, are more susceptible to shoulder subluxation. Additionally, people with certain genetic factors or laxity in their shoulder joint ligaments might be more prone to experiencing subluxations.

Yes, subluxations can lead to stiffness in the shoulder. After a subluxation episode, the surrounding muscles and ligaments might tighten up as a protective response, resulting in a reduced range of motion and stiffness in the joint.

The subluxation can be diagnosed through physical examination and medical imaging. A healthcare provider will assess the patient's medical history and examine the shoulder joint's range of motion, stability, and any signs of instability. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be used to visualize the structures within the shoulder and confirm the presence of subluxation.

No, subluxation and dislocation are not the same. Subluxation refers to a partial and temporary displacement of a joint, where it briefly moves out of its normal position and then returns. Dislocation, on the other hand, involves a complete and sustained displacement of a joint where it remains out of its normal position until physically relocated.

The subluxation can lead to various risks and complications, including chronic instability, recurring subluxation episodes, joint stiffness, muscle imbalances, ligament or labral tears, and, in some cases, the development of arthritis or degenerative changes in the joint.

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Dr. Suman Saurabh from iCliniq
Dr. Suman Saurabh

Orthopedician and Traumatology

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