Shoulder Instability
A plain-language overview of shoulder instability.
At a glance
- Where
- Shoulder (ball and socket)
- Common signs
- Looseness, dislocation
- Options
- Therapy or stabilization surgery
- Urgent?
- Severe pain, deformity, or numbness: seek care promptly.
For general education, not medical advice. Your own surgeon will recommend what fits your situation.
What it is
Shoulder instability happens when the ball of the upper arm bone slips partly (subluxation) or fully (dislocation) out of the shoulder socket.
Common symptoms
- A shoulder that feels loose or slips
- Repeated dislocations
- Pain and weakness with overhead activity
Treatment overview
Many people improve with physical therapy; repeated episodes may need surgical stabilization. Dr. Gee has studied shoulder instability in military cadets and servicemembers.
Your own surgeon will recommend what fits your situation. See Surgery & Recovery.