Specialized Shoulder Care in Colorado Springs

Subluxation

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your shoulder is one of the body's most mobile joints, allowing you to reach, lift, rotate, and perform countless everyday movements. Because of this mobility, the shoulder can also be susceptible to injuries, overuse, arthritis, and other conditions that cause pain and limit movement.

CSOG provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of shoulder conditions, from sports injuries and tendon problems to arthritis, instability, and fractures. Depending on your condition, treatment may include physical therapy, activity modification, medications, injections, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.

Our shoulder specialists take the time to understand your symptoms, activity level, and goals so you can receive treatment designed to reduce pain, improve function, and help you get back to the activities that are important to you.

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What is Subluxation?

The shoulder is a highly mobile ball and socket joint. The ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) is held in place at the socket (glenoid) of the shoulder blade (scapula) by a group of ligaments. A partial dislocation of the shoulder joint is termed as a subluxation. This means the ball has partially moved out of the glenoid as opposed to a dislocation, where the ball completely moves out of the glenoid.

What are the Causes of Subluxation?

Subluxation usually occurs from falls or a direct blow to your shoulder. It can also be caused due to a previous shoulder injury or if the ligaments in your shoulder are loose. Subluxations tend to recur due to laxity in the ligaments.

What are the Symptoms of Subluxation?

Subluxation of the shoulder includes the following symptoms:

• A feeling that your shoulder has moved out of place
• Pain, numbness or weakness of the injured shoulder
• A feeling of looseness of the shoulder

How is Subluxation Diagnosed?

Subluxation of the shoulder is diagnosed by a review of your medical history and symptoms, and a thorough physical examination of your shoulder. Your doctor may also recommend X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and identify any fractures of the shoulder joint.

What is the Treatment for Subluxation?

Subluxation of the shoulder is treated with rest, ice packs and NSAIDs to reduce the pain and inflammation. You may be referred to as physical therapy for shoulder strengthening exercises to help prevent recurrence. Surgery may be required to repair the ligaments if conservative treatment measures do not prevent further subluxations.