Ever felt a sudden, unsettling looseness in your shoulder, like it's about to dislocate, but doesn't quite? That's likely a shoulder subluxation. It's a partial dislocation, where the ball of your upper arm bone (humerus) momentarily slips partially out of the socket (glenoid) and then pops back in.
Causes vary, from sudden impacts during sports to repetitive overhead motions or underlying joint instability. Symptoms often include sharp pain followed by a dull ache, a feeling of instability, and a reluctance to move your arm. Sometimes, you can even feel or hear the 'clunk' as the shoulder goes back into place.
While scary, shoulder subluxation is treatable. Rest, ice, and physical therapy are typically the first steps, focusing on strengthening the surrounding muscles to stabilize the joint. In more severe or recurrent cases, surgery may be considered. If you suspect a subluxation, consult a doctor or physical therapist for diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to get you back to your activities safely.
