Shoulder Instability

What is Shoulder Instability?

Shoulder instability is when the shoulder joint experiences an abnormal range of motion, making it prone to dislocation or subluxation. It typically arises from traumatic injuries, such as falls or collisions, or non-traumatic causes, including repetitive overhead activities or inherent joint laxity. This instability can manifest as pain, a feeling of the shoulder slipping out of place, weakness, or limited motion.

Potential Causes of Shoulder Instability:

Traumatic injury, such as a fall, sports-related collision, or car accident
Repetitive overhead motions, common in athletes like baseball players and swimmers
Anatomical factors like loose ligaments or shallow shoulder socket (glenoid)
Prior shoulder dislocations, which can weaken the joint’s stability
Age-related wear and tear, including degenerative changes in the shoulder
Underlying medical conditions or connective tissue disorders that affect joint stability
Improper rehabilitation following a shoulder injury, leading to residual instability

Common Symptoms of Shoulder Instability:

• Recurrent shoulder dislocations or subluxations
• A sensation of the shoulder “giving way”
• Pain or discomfort in the shoulder joint
• Weakness in the affected shoulder
• Limited range of motion, especially during overhead activities
• Muscle spasms around the shoulder
• Difficulty performing daily tasks, such as lifting objects or reaching overhead

Treatment Options for Shoulder Instability

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as shoulder weakness, slipping, or recurrent dislocations, it’s important to seek a comprehensive evaluation. At Westlake Sports Medicine, we begin by listening to your concerns, assessing joint stability through a thorough exam, and —when needed—ordering advanced imaging to better understand the extent of the instability.

Your treatment plan will be carefully tailored based on the severity of your condition, your activity level, and your overall health goals. Our aim is to restore long-term shoulder stability while minimizing downtime and avoiding unnecessary intervention.

Regenerative Medicine

At Westlake Sports Medicine, we leverage regenerative therapies to support shoulder stability and promote healing—without relying on surgery.

One of the most effective options is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves concentrating healing components from your own blood and injecting them directly into the affected tissues. PRP helps reduce inflammation, strengthen weakened structures, and support long-term joint stability.

In select cases, exosome therapy may also be considered to deliver potent cellular signals that enhance tissue regeneration at a deeper level. These therapies are tailored to your specific condition and recovery goals, offering a personalized, minimally invasive alternative to surgery.

Functional & Integrative Medicine

At Westlake Sports Medicine, we take a holistic view of shoulder instability—focusing not just on symptoms, but on the underlying causes that contribute to joint dysfunction.

Your care may include targeted physical therapy to strengthen stabilizing muscles, correct movement imbalances, and restore optimal shoulder mechanics. In addition, we may recommend dietary strategies and lifestyle modifications to help reduce systemic inflammation and support connective tissue health.

By combining clinical precision with integrative tools, we help you build long-term resilience and reduce the risk of reinjury.

Last Resort: Arthroscopic Surgery

If you’re experiencing symptoms of shoulder instability—such as weakness, clicking, or a sensation that your shoulder may slip out of place—it’s important to seek a thorough evaluation. At Westlake Sports Medicine, we take the time to understand your unique symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.

Your treatment plan will be based on the severity of the instability, your activity level, and your overall health profile. Through a combination of physical examination and advanced imaging when appropriate, we’ll develop a personalized, non-surgical strategy to help restore shoulder stability and prevent future episodes.