Am I Losing My Mind? Ongoing Shoulder Subluxations
I’m a 33-year-old male, standing tall at 6'1" and weighing 185 pounds. I don't take any medications and I don’t smoke. For the last 15 years, I've been grappling with recurrent subluxations of my right shoulder for seemingly no apparent reason. It can happen during the simplest of tasks, like opening a door or picking something off the floor, and the latest incident occurred while I was sound asleep. I visited the doctor to address my concerns, and they advised me to undergo an MRI. After the scan, everything appeared normal, which left me perplexed. I’m at a loss regarding what steps I should take next. I've gone through physical therapy, which provided temporary relief, but the subluxations consistently return. At the moment, it seems that I need to consciously lift my shoulder to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, I am experiencing significant pain around my shoulder blade due to the feeling of instability and misalignment. Has anyone else faced a similar issue or have any advice to share?
Answers (1)
7/16/2025, 8:50:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging situation with your recurrent shoulder subluxations and the associated pain and discomfort. These symptoms can be frustrating, especially when they affect your daily activities and quality of life. Let's break down what you might consider moving forward.
Main Points:
- Ongoing shoulder subluxations can suggest instability, which may not always be visible on imaging like MRIs.
- Focus on strengthening the muscles around your shoulder and improving stability.
- Seek targeted therapeutic techniques or reassess with your healthcare provider for alternative strategies.
Explanation:
Shoulder subluxation occurs when the head of the shoulder joint partially slips out of its socket. It can happen due to structural issues, muscle weakness, or even repetitive strain. The fact that your MRI is normal is a good sign in terms of major injuries, but it also indicates that the subluxation may stem from functional instability rather than a clear anatomical problem.
Physical therapy has provided you only temporary relief, highlighting the need for a more tailored approach focusing on strength and stabilization.
Next Steps:
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Strengthening Exercises: Work on exercises specifically designed to strengthen the rotator cuff and the muscles around your shoulder blade (scapula). Resistance training focusing on these areas can help provide the stability your shoulder needs. Consider exercises such as:
- External rotations with a resistance band
- Scapular retraction exercises
- Shoulder flexion and abduction with light weights
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Activity Modifications: While you continue with these exercises, avoid movements that trigger your shoulder instability (like overhead lifting) until you feel stronger. This can help prevent further subluxations.
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Consult with a Specialist: If you haven't already, consider seeing a physical therapist specializing in sports medicine or shoulder rehabilitation. They can provide a more personalized regimen targeting your specific needs and assess your shoulder's dynamic stability during movement.
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Consideration of Orthotics or Taping: In some cases, shoulder braces or kinesiology taping can offer external support to your shoulder during activity, reducing the risk of subluxation. Discuss these options with your therapist.
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Pain Management: For immediate pain relief, options like ice application, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (if appropriate for you), or topical pain relief creams can be useful.
Feel free to monitor your symptoms and adjust your activities based on what feels right for you. Please prioritize strength training in a safe and gradual manner while also keeping open communication with your healthcare professionals regarding your recovery progress. Let me know if you need further information on any specific exercises or options.
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