Living with Shoulder Instability: Managing Your Symptoms and Improving Function
When you experience shoulder instability, you may find everyday activities challenging or painful. Your shoulder’s remarkable mobility—the most extensive of any joint in your body—makes it particularly vulnerable to instability. While this mobility allows you to reach, lift and perform countless daily tasks, it can also lead to discomfort and limitations when the joint becomes unstable.
How Shoulder Instability Might Affect You
You might notice several symptoms that impact your daily life:
- A persistent dull ache around your shoulder from your rotator cuff muscles working overtime to maintain stability
- Pain when moving your arm through its full range, particularly at extreme positions
- Noticeable clicking sounds during certain movements
- In cases of dislocation, intense pain and reluctance to move your arm
- You may find yourself instinctively supporting your affected arm with your other hand
- Your shoulder might appear visibly different, with a squared-off appearance or noticeable bulge
These symptoms can significantly impact your ability to work, exercise, sleep comfortably, or perform routine activities like reaching overhead or carrying objects.
Your Personalised Treatment Path
Dr Paul O’Keefe at North Melbourne specialises in assessing your unique shoulder condition to identify precisely which tissues are contributing to your instability. This thorough evaluation allows for a targeted treatment approach tailored specifically to your needs.
Manual therapy through Osteopathy offers significant benefits by:
- Reducing painful trigger points around your shoulder joint
- Addressing muscle tightness that may be compensating for the instability
- Improving joint mobility where stiffness has developed
- Enhancing overall shoulder function
Your treatment plan will likely include osteopathic manipulation techniques and a customised exercise programme designed to strengthen specific muscles that help stabilise your shoulder. For some patients with severe instability, Dr O’Keefe can advise when reconstructive surgery might be necessary and provide appropriate rehabilitation support.
Rather than simply treating symptoms, Dr O’Keefe focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of your shoulder instability, helping you achieve sustainable improvement and return to activities you enjoy with greater comfort and confidence.
Most private health insurance companies cover Osteopathy for Shoulder Instability. We recommend contacting your medical insurance company to clarify the terms and conditions of your policy.
*Veterans most welcome
For advice regarding Osteopathy for Shoulder Instability call 9329 7077 or
