EN 
NL Shoulder luxation (dislocation)
A shoulder luxation is usually caused by a hard fall and is often accompanied by pain and unable to move. The diagnosis shoulder luxation can be set using X-ray. When the shoulder head is dislocated, it is important that it is returned to its original position soon. After putting the shoulder follows a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The physiotherapists at Fysiofitaal Tilburg work with you towards a prosperous recovery!
Cause
The shoulder consists of a head and a socket, among other things. Unlike the hip, for example, the shoulder head is a lot larger than the shoulder socket. This ensures that the joint's mobility is great, but at the expense of stability. The labrum (a cartilage ring), the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder have the task of still providing the necessary stability to keep the shoulder head neatly in its socket. If this fails, it is often caused by a hard fall with an outstretched arm.
Complaints and symptoms
A shoulder luxation is often accompanied by severe pain. This makes it almost impossible to move the shoulder. As a reflex, the shoulder muscles tighten violently to still stabilise the shoulder as much as possible. Shifting of the shoulder head can cause a bulge to be seen in the shoulder and sometimes the head can be clearly felt at the front of the shoulder.
Diagnosis and examination
If acute shoulder luxation is suspected, the GP will ask for a X-ray on. This shows which side the shoulder has shifted to and whether other structures have been damaged. Like, therefore, the labrum, capsule and tendon tissue.
If you have experienced shoulder luxation before in the past, we speak of a chronic instability. Here, you may experience fear of the shoulder head dislocating. If the shoulder luxates regularly, further examination can be done using a MRI scan and an X-ray. The physiotherapists of Fysiofitaal Tilburg can determine whether there is instability in the shoulder joint by means of a so-called pathology-specific test.
Treatments and prognosis
If you have an acute shoulder luxation, it is important to first return the shoulder head to its original position (repose). Depending on the situation, muscle relaxant and/or pain-relieving medication may be used. After the shoulder is repositioned, you will wear a sling for two to four weeks, after which you will be started on a rehabilitation programme. rehabilitation process. During rehabilitation, it is important to increase muscle strength and stability in the shoulder to prevent another luxation. Exactly how long rehabilitation will take is difficult to say in advance. It depends on several factors. Physiotherapy is advised for 4 to 12 weeks in uncomplicated luxations. A exercise programme under the guidance of a physiotherapist can help. Dhe physiotherapists at Fysiofitaal Tilburg offer you professional guidance during your rehabilitation and work with you towards a successful recovery!
Chronic instability
Chronic instability can have several causes including hypermobility (more mobility in joints than normal). Hypermobility can allow for more mobility in ligaments and joints, giving less stability to the shoulder head. Therefore, this can cause a luxation to occur more quickly because the shoulder head has more room to move.
It is easy to test for hypermobility. The physiotherapists of Fysiofitaal Tilburg can determine whether hypermobility is present through a cluster of physical tests.
However, chronic instability can also result from frequent luxation of the shoulder. If this is the case, it is sometimes necessary to dislocate through a operation ensuring that the shoulder head gains more stability by tightening certain ligaments in the shoulder.
Making an appointment at FysioFitaal
We work from multiple locations in Tilburg, always close by for professional and accessible physiotherapy. Fill in the contact form and we will contact you soon. Together, we will work on your recovery!
