Shoulder Instability Explained: From Injury to Recovery
Hi, I’m Dr. Molly Tatum, a sports medicine fellowship-trained surgeon at the Orthopedic Institute of Dayton. Today, I’m breaking down shoulder instability—what happens when your shoulder pops out of place, how it affects you, and what we can do about it. Whether you’re an athlete or just curious, stick with me (or watch my video below!) to learn about this common injury and your options for getting back in the game.
What is Shoulder Instability?
Picture your shoulder as a ball-and-socket joint: the “ball” (top of your upper arm bone) sits in the “socket” (part of your shoulder blade). Normally, it’s a perfect fit. But during a shoulder instability event, that ball slips out—either partially or fully. It’s painful, unsettling, and can leave lasting damage.
When the ball pops out, it often injures the labrum, a ring of cartilage that keeps your shoulder stable. This injury, called a Bankart labral tear, tears that tissue and sets the stage for trouble—especially if you’re active.
Who’s at Risk? Young Athletes, Take Note
Here’s the kicker: shoulder instability doesn’t hit everyone equally. Younger women, especially those in contact sports like soccer, basketball, or lacrosse, face a higher risk of recurring events. Why? It’s a mix of anatomy, flexibility, and the physical demands of those sports. Once that labrum tears, the shoulder becomes a repeat offender—popping out again and again if not addressed.
I see this all the time at the Orthopedic Institute of Dayton. A teenage athlete dislocates her shoulder in a game, and without the right care, she’s sidelined by the same injury months later. Let’s talk about how to stop that cycle.
Your Treatment Options: Conservative or Surgical?
Good news—you’ve got choices to tackle a Bankart labral tear and stabilize that shoulder. Here’s what we can do:
1. Conservative Treatment
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises strengthen the muscles around your shoulder, helping it stay in place. Think of it as training your shoulder to behave.
- Bracing: A brace limits risky movements while you heal, giving your labrum a break.
This works best for first-time dislocations or less active folks. But for young athletes eager to return to contact sports, it might not cut it—recurrence rates can climb without more intervention.
2. Surgical Stabilization
- How It Works: We use stitches and anchors to repair the torn labrum and tighten the shoulder joint. It’s like locking the ball back in its socket—for good.
- Why It’s Effective: Surgery slashes the odds of that shoulder popping out again, especially for high-risk groups like young women in sports.
At the Orthopedic Institute of Dayton, I often recommend surgery for active patients under 25 with a Bankart tear. Recovery takes time—about 4-6 months before full sports clearance—but it’s worth it for long-term stability.
Why It Matters: Don’t Ignore Your Shoulder
A shoulder instability event isn’t just a one-off annoyance. Left unchecked, it can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, or a shoulder that betrays you at the worst moments. For young athletes, especially women, getting ahead of this with the right treatment—conservative or surgical—means staying in the game, not on the bench.
Ready to Fix Your Shoulder? Let’s Connect
Still wondering what’s best for your shoulder? I’ve got you covered. Check out my quick video below for the rundown, then reach out to the Orthopedic Institute of Dayton for a consultation. We’ll craft a plan—whether it’s therapy, a brace, or surgery—to get you back to what you love, pain-free.
Watch Dr. Molly’s Video on Shoulder Instability Here
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