[Functional posterior shoulder instability: which treatment options work?]

Posterior shoulder instability (PSI) can be caused either by structural or by functional deficits. Functional PSI often arises from neuromuscular imbalances rather than identifiable structural deficiencies.

This condition presents a complex clinical picture characterized by symptoms such as pain, discomfort during overhead activities, and episodes of subluxation or full dislocation.

Understanding the treatment modalities available for functional PSI is critical to restoring function and preventing recurrence. In order to select the right treatment for posterior shoulder instability, it is important to differentiate between structural and functional instability. Functional posterior shoulder instability demands a meticulous and multifaceted approach to diagnosis and management. Clinicians must be vigilant in recognizing the type of PSI and start an according targeted therapy. Rehabilitation remains a cornerstone of treatment, with ongoing emphasis on the need for individualized rehabilitation regimes that promote functional recovery and prevent recurrence. For optimal outcomes in managing functional PSI, an integration of expert physiotherapeutic approaches, modern technology, such as, for example, functional electrical stimulation (FES) continue to gain momentum in current orthopedic practice.

The aim of this article is to display possible treatment options for functional posterior shoulder instability.