Atraumatic Multidirectional Subluxation of the left shoulder: experiences

[jg42058p]

I had an MRI done on my shoulder after lifting pains. The diagnosis was "Atraumatic Multidirectional Subluxation of the left shoulder," that's what it said on the physical therapy referral.


The doc said it was "left shoulder instability" but no RTC/Labral tear.

My prescribed treat is physical therapy work on RTC strengthening/endurance scapular stabilization, 2x for 4 weeks.

Anyone have any experience with this? Or anyone know about of what that may be like?
It's not severe but concerning. He said I can keep lifting, keep it light but limit my range of motion. He said I don't need surgery and might be able to eventually start lifting with full range of motion again, gradually.

The pain/swelling comes right around my left front deltoid, right under it at the corner where my shoulder socket and arm meet. He described it analogously to "having a golf ball slide slightly away from the top of a golf tee"

Do you think it would be ok to do biceps, forearms, squats and dead lifts during the physical therapy? How about triceps cable extensions where you press down?

[jg42058p]

To be more succinct, subluxation means incomplete or partial dislocation of a joint or organ.

That's the laymen's term

[jg42058p]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dislocated_shoulder

[iptak]

did you see the PT yet? Basically as you understand the head (ball) of the humerus is sliding off the cup (glenoid). The shoulder is in itself a very dynamic, thus unstable joint. Only at the very limits of it's accessory motion do the ligaments and joint capsule provide stability. Otherwise it is dictated by motor control (muscles). Re-read that, "control". It is not so much about pure strength but more about the timing. I would avoid activities that cause pain for the moment. Also with the help of your PT you should be able to return to normal lifitng activites. You might need to change how you co-contract and use the muscles during a lift. There maybe some activites (like BB bench) that will just be too stressful and need be discontinued. Time will tell. BTW, the biceps have insertions and tendons that cross the shoulder joint so training them may cause pain. All depends on what structures are irritated and in what phase of healing the tissue is in. Also, squatting puts the shoulder in a position that drives the humeral head forward - not what you want right now.