Shoulder Instability

Risk Factors for Shoulder Instability

Certain people are at greater risk for shoulder instability.

Risk factors for shoulder instability may include:

• Age: Shoulder instability is more common among people under 40.
• Personal history: Injuries that cause shoulder instability are more common in contact sports.
• Sex: Men are more likely to experience recurrent shoulder dislocations following an initial injury.

Treating Shoulder Instability at UT Health Austin

Upon evaluation of your shoulder, your medical provider will discuss nonsurgical treatment option as an initial approach to healing the joint and improving function. These options often include activity modifications and rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, physical therapy and strengthening exercises. In rare cases, arthroscopic surgery may be suggested as a treatment option if your shoulder pain and function do not improve. Your care team will walk you through the risks and benefits as well as what to expect throughout your recovery process.

Care Team Approach

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines caring for you in one place to avoid having to schedule multiple appointments with providers at locations all over the city. The Sports and Injury Clinic care team includes orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, physiatrists, physical therapists, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, and more, who work together to help you get back to the things in your life that matter most to you.

We also collaborate with our colleagues at The University of Texas at Austin and the Dell Medical School to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to provide you with comprehensive, whole-person orthopedic care to help you meet your goals. Treatment may include non-surgical interventions, such as lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or medication and injections, or surgery may be the best course of action to help improve your pain and function. Advanced imaging and lab testing are also available on-site if needed.

More About Your Care Team