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Shoulder

Effects of Untreated Shoulder Instability / Shoulder Dislocation

Are there ways to prevent shoulder dislocations?

While some causes of shoulder instability are beyond your control, you can take certain precautions to reduce the risk of shoulder dislocations. These include avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the shoulder, maintaining good posture, and participating in strength and flexibility exercises to support shoulder stability.

What are the complications of untreated shoulder instability?

If left untreated, shoulder instability can lead to various complications that may affect the overall function and health of the shoulder. Some potential complications include:

One of the most common complications is the recurrence of shoulder dislocations. Without proper treatment, the underlying instability issues may persist, increasing the likelihood of repeated dislocations and further structural damage to the shoulder.

The instability and repeated dislocations can lead to chronic pain in the shoulder joint. Over time, persistent pain can impact daily activities and reduce the overall quality of life.

Recurrent dislocations and instability can contribute to joint damage, including injuries to the cartilage, labrum, and other structures within the shoulder. This damage may result in arthritis over time.

Shoulder instability can cause muscle imbalances as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of stability in the joint. This imbalance may lead to overuse injuries and further compromise the overall function of the shoulder.

Untreated instability can lead to a gradual loss of range of motion in the shoulder. This limitation can affect the ability to perform daily activities and may lead to stiffness in the joint.

As instability progresses, functional impairment of the shoulder can occur. Activities that involve overhead movements, lifting, or reaching may become challenging or painful. The combination of pain, limited range of motion, and functional impairment can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, affecting both physical and emotional well-being.

If you suspect you have shoulder instability or have suffered a shoulder dislocation, contact Dr. Chahla today to schedule a shoulder evaluation. Dr. Jorge Chahla is a sports medicine orthopedic shoulder surgeon in Chicago, Illinois who specializes in the treatment of sports related shoulder injuries. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of sports medicine and is a pioneer in novel therapies. Dr. Chahla’s focus is on customized and personalized care to meet the needs of each of his patients. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to preserve the natural joint and reduce recovery time to accelerate his patients’ return to the activities they love.

At a Glance

Dr. Jorge Chahla

  • Triple fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon
  • Performs over 700 surgeries per year
  • Assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush University
  • Learn more
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