Shoulder hypermobility disorder occurs when the shoulder joint moves beyond its normal range of motion due to excessive laxity in the ligaments and connective tissues. This can lead to pain, instability, and an increased risk of injury. It is often part of a broader condition known as joint hypermobility syndrome or may occur due to specific factors affecting the shoulder joint.
Causes of Shoulder Hypermobility Disorder
- Genetic Factors
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) or Marfan syndrome result in weaker or more elastic connective tissues, leading to hypermobility.
- Familial Tendencies: A genetic predisposition to hypermobile joints is common in some families.
- Repetitive Overuse
- Activities that overstretch the shoulder joint, such as swimming, gymnastics, or throwing sports, can lead to hypermobility.
- Trauma or Injury
- Dislocations or tears in ligaments can weaken the joint, causing hypermobility.
- Poor Muscle Strength
- Weakness in the shoulder stabilizing muscles (e.g., rotator cuff muscles) reduces joint support.
- Post-Surgical or Acquired Conditions
- Some surgeries or shoulder conditions can result in excessive joint laxity.
- Hormonal Influences
- Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., during pregnancy or in women with higher estrogen levels) can increase ligament laxity.
Symptoms
- Shoulder pain, especially during or after activity.
- Instability or the sensation of the joint slipping out of place.
- Frequent subluxations or dislocations.
- Reduced strength and endurance in the shoulder muscles.
- Clicking or grinding sensations during movement.
- Increased fatigue due to compensatory muscle use.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical Therapy
- Strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff muscles and scapular stabilizers to improve joint stability.
- Stretching exercises to maintain flexibility without exacerbating laxity.
- Proprioceptive training to enhance joint awareness and control.
- Activity Modification
- Avoiding activities that stress the shoulder joint or cause repetitive strain.
- Proper ergonomic adjustments for daily tasks and sports.
- Bracing or Taping
- Use of braces or kinesiology tape to provide external support and reduce excessive movement.
- Pain Management
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen for pain relief.
- Heat or ice therapy for symptomatic relief after activity.
- Lifestyle Changes
- Regular, low-impact exercise like swimming or Pilates to improve overall muscle tone and joint control.
Surgical Treatments (if conservative treatments fail)
- Capsular Tightening (Capsulorrhaphy)
- Tightening of the shoulder capsule to reduce excessive joint laxity.
- Repair of Damaged Ligaments
- Addressing any tears or injuries to stabilize the joint.
- Arthroscopic Surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery to correct structural abnormalities contributing to instability.
Preventive Measures
- Regularly engage in shoulder-strengthening exercises to maintain muscle support.
- Warm up adequately before physical activity and use proper techniques.
- Avoid hyperextending or overstretching the shoulder joint.
- Manage underlying conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome through multidisciplinary care.