Unstable

Shoulders

Shoulder instability

Shoulder instability happens most often in young people and athletes. When muscles and ligaments that hold it together are stretched beyond their normal limits, the shoulder becomes unstable. For younger people, this health problem may be a normal part of growth and development. Shoulders often stiffen or tighten with age.

Symptoms of an unstable shoulder can be general shoulder pain, continual shoulder dislocations or the feeling of the shoulder giving way.

Treatments for unstable shoulders include:

• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Changes in daily activities
• Surgery