Nonoperative and postoperative rehabilitation for glenohumeral instability.

There are many different kinds of shoulder instabilities, from subtle subluxations (as seen in overhead athletes) to gross instability. An appropriate rehabilitation program plays an essential role in the successful outcome after an episode of shoulder instability. Nonoperative rehabilitation is often implemented for patients diagnosed with various shoulder instabilities. Based on the classification system of glenohumeral instability and several key factors, a nonoperative rehabilitation program could be developed.

In this article the authors discuss these factors, and the nonoperative rehabilitation and postoperative programs designed to return patients to the level of function they had had previously. They also put focus on a rehabilitation program that focuses on restoring strength, improved posture, scapula stability, neuromuscular control and proprioception.