Shoulder instability happens when the muscles, ligaments, and other structures around your shoulder joint can’t keep the ball of the joint properly in its socket. This can cause the joint to feel loose, slide partway out (subluxation), or even come fully out of place (dislocation).
Chiropractors help manage shoulder instability using hands-on treatments like joint manipulation, mobilisation, and exercises that strengthen and support the shoulder.
Want to know more? Request a Callback
Or give us a call, to find out how we can help you with Shoulder Instability and Chiropractic.
Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment for Shoulder Instability and Chiropractic tailored to your needs.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint known as the glenohumeral joint. If this joint becomes too loose, the ball may slip partially out (called a subluxation) or fully out (dislocation). Even if the joint doesn’t dislocate, it may feel like it’s about to — this sensation is called apprehension.
Chiropractors use a special technique called the apprehension test to check for this issue.
Shoulder instability can be tricky. It doesn’t always involve a full dislocation, and many people aren’t even aware that the joint is slipping. That’s why it’s important to check for instability—especially in athletes who use their arms overhead often, like swimmers or pitchers.
Shoulder instability usually affects people in one of three groups:
If you’ve dislocated your shoulder before, you may have torn ligaments that didn’t heal tightly. This makes it easier for the shoulder to dislocate again.
In people under 35, around 80% will experience future instability after a first-time dislocation.
Athletes in sports like volleyball, swimming, or baseball may stretch their shoulder joints from repeated overhead use. This can lead to a loose shoulder joint or multidirectional instability (MDI).
Even if the joint doesn’t fully dislocate, the fear that it might can limit performance or prevent participation in the sport.
Some people have looser joints due to their body’s connective tissue makeup. This condition can make the shoulder joint unstable or even prone to dislocation without injury.
Chiropractic care offers a variety of effective treatments depending on the cause and severity of the instability. The focus is on improving joint stability, strengthening muscles, and preventing future dislocations.
Chiropractors often begin treatment with:
Joint manipulation and mobilisation to restore normal motion
Soft tissue work to address muscle imbalances and tightness
Rehabilitation is key. Chiropractors design exercise programs that:
Focus on strengthening the rotator cuff muscles
Train dynamic stabilisers of the shoulder (there are over 30 of them)
Improve posture and shoulder mechanics
Athletes with multidirectional instability often benefit most from this approach.S
Supportive Techniques
Other helpful strategies include:
Sports taping to provide extra support
Shoulder braces to limit excessive movement during activity
In some cases, other treatments may be necessary:
Sclerosing injections to help tighten loose tissues
Surgery in severe or recurring cases that don’t respond to conservative care
If your shoulder feels loose, unstable, or like it might slip out of place, chiropractic care can help you regain control, build strength, and return to daily life or sport with confidence.
Early assessment and a personalised care plan can make a big difference—especially if you’re active or have had a previous injury.
Try these exercises to try eliminate that shrimp posture. 👉 1. Chin Tucks ✅ Stand with your back against a wall, a towel rolled up behind your head, placing it at the level of your ears✅ Gently tuck your chin straight back (not down)✅ Hold for 10-15 seconds✅ Repeat 10x🧠 Tip: You should feel a
McGills Big 3 exercises The Side Plank The Bird-Dog The Curl Up View this post on Instagram A post shared by Isis Chiropractic Centres (@isischiropracticclinic)
Supraspinatus tendinopathy is a common and crippling condition that becomes more prevalent after middle age. It is one of the most common cause of shoulder pain. Unfortunately it is not a condition that will heal on its own and will almost always need treatment.
Heavy backpacks, school sports and homework can place a strain on your child’s back. Many parents don’t realise the importance of backpacks and how children carry them.
It may not seem important but carrying a heavy, misfitted backpack everyday to school can be bad news for the spine. Your Chiropractor can help determine the back back size that is safe for your child.