Understanding Traumatic and Atraumatic Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability is a common problem that can happen to anyone, regardless of age, activity level, or overall health. There are two types of shoulder instability: traumatic and atraumatic. Traumatic shoulder instability is caused by a sudden, forceful injury, while atraumatic shoulder instability is caused by repetitive stress or degeneration over time.

If you're experiencing shoulder pain or instability, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. At B Physical Therapy in Oviedo, FL, our experienced physical therapists can evaluate your shoulder and create a personalized treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms and prevent future instability. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the differences between traumatic and atraumatic shoulder instability and how physical therapy can help.

Traumatic Shoulder Instability

Traumatic shoulder instability is most often caused by a fall, direct blow to the shoulder, or sudden twisting motion. When this happens, the shoulder joint can become dislocated, resulting in pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Traumatic shoulder instability can also lead to long-term complications such as chronic dislocation, arthritis, and nerve damage.

Treatment for traumatic shoulder instability often involves physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and improve stability in the shoulder joint. Our physical therapists may also recommend wearing a sling or brace to support the shoulder, as well as anti-inflammatory medication to help alleviate pain and swelling. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged ligaments and tendons.

Atraumatic Shoulder Instability

Atraumatic shoulder instability, on the other hand, is typically caused by repetitive stress or degenerative changes in the shoulder joint over time. This type of instability is more common in athletes who participate in overhead sports, such as baseball, tennis, or swimming, as well as those who perform repetitive manual labor.

The symptoms of atraumatic shoulder instability are similar to those of traumatic instability, including pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. However, in atraumatic instability, the shoulder joint may not actually dislocate. Instead, the ligaments and tendons become stretched or damaged, resulting in instability.

The treatment for atraumatic shoulder instability usually involves physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, as well as modifications to activity levels to reduce stress on the joint. Our physical therapists may also recommend anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections to help manage pain and inflammation.

Conclusion

Shoulder instability can be a painful and limiting condition, but with proper treatment, it's possible to restore function and prevent future problems. At B Physical Therapy in Oviedo, FL, our experienced physical therapists can help evaluate your shoulder and create a personalized treatment plan to address your individual needs and goals. So, if you're looking for Physical therapy in Oviedo, FL, contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a healthier, more mobile shoulder.