Why are Individuals with shoulder Instability at Risk for Injury in the Workplace?
Shoulder instability has been, until recently, an under-recognized source of shoulder pain in individuals involved in repetitive or prolonged overhead activities in the workplace. Once thought to be unique to young (< 30 years of age) athletes involved in throwing, swimming, and racquet sports, shoulder instability is becoming a more frequently recognized factor in shoulder pain in industry. Despite the increased incidence of individuals having shoulder pain as a result of instability, many of these patients continue to be inappropriately diagnosed and treated for injuries associated with instability rather than for the primary problem. Accurate diagnosis of individuals with shoulder instability begins with recognition of laxity of the glenohumeral joint. In the absence of a defined injury, the examiner must invoke clinical tests to detect the presence of laxity. These techniques provoke the glenohumeral joint in anterior, posterior, and inferior directions. The load and shift test, ap
