Shoulder Instability​

• Rest. After an acute episode of dislocation, it is important to rest the shoulder in a sling and avoid aggravating activities for the first few days.
  
• Ice and Medicine. Applying ice before and after exercise, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce the pain and swelling.
  
• Physiotherapy. Once the pain and swelling have subsided, physiotherapy for range of motion exercises and gentle strengthening can be started.

The goal of therapy is to achieve shoulder motion and stability and increase rotator cuff muscle strength. If the shoulder remains unstable despite a course of strengthening physical therapy and activity modification, surgery to stabilise the shoulder joint may be needed.