Rehabilitation of shoulder joint instabilities

The overall goal of the rehabilitation period is a return to full range of motion and a strengthening of the muscles that have a role in protecting the shoulder from injury. Rehabilitation is accomplished gradually and is performed initially in a limited range that excludes the terminal 30 degrees at either end. Two key muscle groups are to be strengthened. One group is for the glenohumeral joint: the deltoid, latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, and the rotator cuff muscles--especially the subscapularis muscle for internal rotation and the infraspinatus and the teres minor muscles for external rotation. The second group, the trapezius, rhomboids, and serratus anterior muscles, is strengthened for scapular control. Finally, general conditioning and trunk flexibility exercises are critical for a return to former competitive levels.