Shoulder Instability Specialist

Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Orange, CA

A simple windmilling of your arms gives you a small glimpse of the extraordinary range of motion your shoulders provide, which is made abundantly clear if you develop shoulder instability. The team of orthopedic specialists at Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center specializes in shoulder problems, allowing their patients in Orange, California, to regain stability. If your shoulder isn’t performing well due to instability, call the office or book an appointment using the online scheduler.

Shoulder Instability Q & A

What is shoulder instability?

Your shoulder is a large ball-and-socket joint that allows an amazing range of motion for your arms. When your humerus (upper arm) pops out of the socket, it not only creates an acute shoulder problem, it can lead to chronic instability.

Your upper arm is kept firmly in the socket by a host of connective tissue, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. If this soft tissue is stretched or torn to a point where your arm dislocates partially or completely, you can be left with chronic shoulder issues.

What causes shoulder instability?

The most common causes of shoulder instability include:

  • Dislocation
  • Labral tears
  • Repetitive strain
  • Failed arthroscopic repair

Whatever the cause, it’s important that you seek help to restabilize your shoulder to avoid more serious problems down the road.

What are the symptoms of shoulder instability?

While the answer to this question may seem obvious, shoulder instability can present itself in many ways, including:

  • Frequent dislocations
  • Pain
  • Weakness in your shoulder, where it simply “gives out”
  • Bone loss in your shoulder

Often, patients describe a feeling of overall instability in the joint, as if the shoulder isn’t providing much support for your arm.

What are the treatments for shoulder instability?

When you first sit down with your doctor at Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center, you review your symptoms and undergo a physical examination. From there, your doctor orders more advanced imaging to get a better look at what might be causing the instability in your shoulder.

It’s hard to say what your treatment might be since it depends upon the nature of your problem, but the doctors have a number of tools in their treatment arsenal, including:

  • Physical therapy
  • Arthroscopic repair
  • Open shoulder surgery
  • Shoulder replacement surgery
  • Regenerative therapies, such as stem cells and platelet-rich plasma

Your doctor works with you to alleviate your immediate problem with an eye toward long-lasting solutions that shore up your shoulder, giving you back the complete use of your arm again.

To learn more about solving your shoulder instability, call Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center or fill out the online form to book a consultation.