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Evidence-based rehabilitation of athletes with glenohumeral instability

  • Shoulder
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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

To give an overview of current knowledge and guidelines with respect to evidence-based rehabilitation of athletes with glenohumeral instability.

Methods

This narrative review combines scientific evidence with clinical guidelines based on the current literature to highlight the different components of the rehabilitation of glenohumeral instability.

Results

Depending on the specific characteristics of the instability pattern, the severity, recurrence, and direction, the therapeutic approach may be adapted to the needs and demands of the athlete. In general, attention should go to (1) restoration of rotator cuff strength and inter-muscular balance, focusing on the eccentric capacity of the external rotators, (2) normalization of rotational range of motion with special attention to the internal rotation ROM, (3) optimization of the flexibility and muscle performance of the scapular muscles, and (4) gradually increasing the functional sport-specific load on the shoulder girdle. The functional kinetic chain should be implemented throughout all stages of the rehabilitation program. Return to play should be based on subjective assessment as well as objective measurements of ROM, strength, and function.

Conclusions

This paper summarizes evidence-based guidelines for treatment of glenohumeral instability. These guidelines may assist the clinician in the prevention and rehabilitation of the overhead athlete.

Level of evidence

Expert opinion, Level V.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 2B3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Ann M. Cools, Dorien Borms, Birgit Castelein, Fran Vanderstukken & Fredrik R. Johansson

  2. Department of Environmental Medicine, Musculoskeletal and Sports Injury Epidemiology Center (MUSIEC), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

    Fredrik R. Johansson

Authors
  1. Ann M. Cools
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  2. Dorien Borms
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  3. Birgit Castelein
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  4. Fran Vanderstukken
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  5. Fredrik R. Johansson
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Correspondence to Ann M. Cools.

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Cools, A.M., Borms, D., Castelein, B. et al. Evidence-based rehabilitation of athletes with glenohumeral instability. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 24, 382–389 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-015-3940-x

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