Who Treats Shoulder Instability in Clifton?

In Clifton, our shoulder specialist, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, treats shoulder instability with a personalized approach focused on restoring shoulder strength and stability. Whether your shoulder instability is caused by a sports injury, repeated dislocations, or a labral tear, Dr. Michael K. Shindle evaluates your condition and designs a personalized treatment plan.

Depending on your condition, he may recommend conservative treatments, including activity guidance, bracing, NSAIDs, or injections to relieve pain. In severe or recurrent cases, Dr. Michael K. Shindle may also offer advanced surgical options to repair damaged structures, stabilize the shoulder joint, and restore joint function. Call us today at 855-321-6784 to book your appointment with Dr. Michael K. Shindle.

Who Is the Best Shoulder Instability Doctor in Clifton?

Dr. Michael K. Shindle is widely recognized as the best shoulder instability surgeon in Clifton, NJ, specializing in complex shoulder procedures. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with extensive experience treating shoulder issues, including labral tears, recurrent dislocations, shoulder stiffness, and ligament damage.

He completed his medical education at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Then he completed his specialized fellowship in shoulder surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery and currently practices at our clinic, Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Dr. Michael K. Shindle is also nationally recognized for his work with elite athletes.

For instance, he has served as a team physician for the New Jersey Devils, the New York Giants, and USA Hockey. This experience with elite athletes gave him extensive exposure to complex shoulder injuries requiring accurate diagnosis and timely surgical intervention. Here’s how our orthopedic specialist, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, provides effective and safe treatment for shoulder instability:

Advanced Diagnosis

To provide the most effective and specialized treatment, Dr. Michael K. Shindle uses state-of-the-art imaging and clinical assessments to pinpoint the exact cause of instability. For instance, he may order an MRI to visualize labral tears and X-rays to assess bone alignment, joint spacing, and structural damage. He may also conduct the following physical exams to accurately diagnose your shoulder condition:

• Relocation Test: Used along with the apprehension test to determine if gentle pressure improves shoulder stability and reduces symptoms.
• Load and Shift Test: Assesses how much the shoulder joint moves forward or backward, helping detect abnormal instability.
• Anterior and Posterior Drawer Tests: Assess for excessive humeral head movement within the shoulder socket.
• Apprehension Test: Helps identify anterior shoulder instability by assessing whether certain arm positions cause discomfort.

In fact, a study published on NCBI examined the supine moving apprehension test in people with anterior shoulder dislocation. The test was reliable about 74%–84% of the time. Moreover, patients with shoulder instability completed about 18–30 fewer repetitions (about 20%–35% lower performance) than healthy people, indicating clear weakness in shoulder control.

Sports and Overuse Injuries Treatment

Shoulder instability often develops after a traumatic injury, such as a fall, direct blow, collision, or sudden forceful movement during sports. Athletes who participate in contact sports and overhead activities are more prone to shoulder dislocations, labral tears, and joint instability. As a team physician, Dr. Michael K. Shindle can precisely assess your injury in these cases and provide the most effective treatment to alleviate pain.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

If you need surgery, our experienced orthopedic specialist, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to treat shoulder instability. In this procedure, small incisions are made to access the shoulder joint. After the incision, our surgeon may insert a small camera (arthroscope) to clearly view the inside of the joint and guide precise treatment of the damaged structures.

Additionally, by using this detailed visualization, he may repair a torn labrum or fix bone-related issues that contribute to shoulder problems, such as:

• Labral tears (Bankart lesions)
• Hill-Sachs bone defects
• Ligament tears
• Rotator cuff tears
• Ligament stretching or laxity
• Shoulder joint instability from trauma
• Bone loss affecting joint stability

Post-Surgical Pain Management

To ensure a smooth, comfortable recovery, Dr. Michael K. Shindle focuses on structured, patient-specific pain management after shoulder surgery. We use a combination of targeted medications and a regional nerve block, non-opioid medications, cryotherapy (cold therapy), and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain. Here’s how this approach can help manage post-surgical pain:

• Regional nerve block: Numbs the shoulder area during early recovery to significantly reduce immediate post-operative pain.
• Non-opioid medications: Help manage pain in a safe and effective way while reducing the use of stronger pain-relief medicines.
• Cryotherapy (cold therapy): Decreases swelling and inflammation, helping ease discomfort.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Reduce tissue inflammation around the surgical site to improve comfort and mobility.

Moreover, we closely monitor each patient during the early recovery phase to adjust pain management as needed. To make your treatment easier, we also offer diagnostics, imaging, pain management, and surgery under one roof. This approach helps you receive immediate treatment for shoulder instability without any unnecessary delays.

@totalorthosportsmed

🎾 Pickleball is blowing up… so are the injuries. 😳 Dr. Mike Shindle, orthopedic surgeon in our TOSM NJ offices breaks down the TOP 3 injuries he sees from pickleball players: 🚨 Achilles TEAR – One wrong step = SNAP ⚠️ Meniscus TEAR – Quick twist, big pain 🔥 Tendonitis – Overuse = inflammation city Don’t wait till you’re limping off the court. 👣 If your ankle, knee, or heel is acting up—it’s time to get checked. 🎥 Follow for more sports injury tips + hit the link in bio to book with Dr. Shindle! #pickleball #doctorsoftiktok #orthopedics #sportsmedicine #sportsmedicine

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Should You See a Specialist or a General Doctor?

If you are dealing with shoulder pain, instability, or repeated dislocations, it is recommended to see a specialist. A shoulder specialist has advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex shoulder conditions. These conditions may include labral tears, ligament injuries, recurrent dislocations, and joint instability that a general doctor cannot assess in detail.

While a general doctor may help with initial pain management and musculoskeletal conditions, shoulder instability often requires a more detailed assessment from a shoulder specialist. In fact, an NCBI study comparing shoulder care examined outcomes among general internists, rheumatologists, and orthopedic surgeons. For shoulder problems, orthopedic surgeons order detailed diagnostic imaging such as X-rays and MRI scans, compared to general doctors.

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Shoulder Dislocation?

If you experience pain, a slipping sensation, or weakness in your shoulder, it may indicate early shoulder instability or dislocation. You may also experience clicking or popping during movement, reduced range of motion, or a feeling that the shoulder is “loose”. In some cases, you may notice the shoulder shifting out of place during certain arm movements, such as reaching overhead or rotating your arm outward.

Additionally, in severe cases, you may experience physical changes such as:

Visible Shoulder Deformity

Your shoulder may look visibly out of place or uneven compared to the other side. For example, the normal rounded shape of the shoulder may look flattened, squared, or shifted downward. In some cases, the upper arm may also look slightly displaced from its normal position. Such changes may indicate shoulder dislocation and other structural issues, including:

• Glenoid bone injury
• Ligament rupture
• Joint capsule damage
• Rotator cuff injury
• Bone fracture near the shoulder joint

Swelling Around the Joint

Swelling may develop quickly after injury due to inflammation inside the shoulder. In such cases, the affected area may feel tight, warm, and tender to the touch. Moreover, this swelling may limit the arm’s normal range of motion and make it difficult to lift, rotate, or use the shoulder comfortably during normal activities. In some cases, the swelling can also spread to nearby body parts such as:

• Upper arm
• Collarbone area
• Upper chest
• Side of the neck
• Shoulder blade region

Bruising and Skin Discoloration

If you have a dislocated shoulder, bruising may appear around the shoulder or upper arm. This bruising happens when small blood vessels are damaged during the injury. In this situation, the dislocated shoulder may appear red to dark purple or blue. This discoloration may also spread gradually across the upper arm and surrounding shoulder area as blood collects under the skin.

Postural Imbalance

After a shoulder dislocation, you may notice changes in posture as your body attempts to protect the injured joint. The affected shoulder may appear rolled forward compared to the opposite side. This imbalance can also lead to uneven shoulder height and strain on the surrounding muscles. Moreover, you may find it difficult to maintain an upright posture for long periods.

To help you better understand your condition, our specialists have created this Shoulder Instability Guide. It outlines the key causes, injury patterns, and treatment approaches used to manage different types of shoulder instability. Other than that, it explains both traumatic and non-traumatic instability in a clear and structured way, so you can know what to expect and when to seek treatment. You can also call us at 855-321-6784 to consult with our team for further guidance.

Who Is Most at Risk for Developing Joint Instability?

Young, physically active individuals and athletes participating in high-impact sports are at a higher risk of joint instability. In fact, according to PubMed, shoulder instability is most common in adolescents involved in competitive sports, especially those aged 14–18 years, due to increased exposure to high-impact activity.

Moreover, individuals with a history of previous shoulder dislocations are more prone to recurrent instability. When the shoulder joint is injured once, the supporting structures, such as ligaments and the labrum, may weaken, making it easier for the joint to slip out of place again. The risk of recurrent dislocation may also increase if the initial injury was not treated properly.

Besides that, you may be at risk of multidirectional shoulder instability if you naturally have loose or flexible joints (ligament laxity). In these cases, the shoulder may move beyond its normal range, reducing joint control during sports. This abnormal movement can constantly put pressure on the shoulder joint, leading to ongoing instability and reduced strength.

Can Instability Get Worse Without Treatment?

Yes, shoulder instability can get worse without treatment, and the condition often progresses over time. If your shoulder is unstable or partially dislocated (subluxation), it can put continuous pressure on the labrum, ligaments, and joint capsule. Without immediate treatment, this repeated strain can lead to permanent structural damage and chronic conditions, such as:

• Glenoid bone loss: Repeated dislocations may wear down the shoulder socket, reducing joint stability and increasing the risk of future dislocations.
• Rotator cuff damage: Ongoing instability may strain or tear rotator cuff tendons, reducing shoulder strength and arm control.
• Nerve irritation: Shoulder instability may compress nearby nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or hand.
• Limited mobility: You may lose the ability to fully lift, rotate, or extend your arm without pain.
• Cartilage wear: Repeated joint movement may damage cartilage, leading to friction, discomfort, and reduced smooth shoulder motion.
• Early osteoarthritis: Long-term instability can lead to joint degeneration, resulting in stiffness, pain, and reduced shoulder function.

In such cases, you should immediately contact our shoulder specialist, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, for a thorough evaluation to protect your shoulder and prevent recurrent dislocations. He will carefully assess the extent of instability and review your medical history to guide the most appropriate treatment plan and reduce pain. Call us at 855-321-6784 for immediate orthopedic care and long-term relief.

What Treatment Options Do Orthopedic Surgeons Recommend?

Our shoulder surgeon, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and PRP to improve mobility and restore shoulder function. If instability persists, Dr. Michael K. Shindle may recommend advanced arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement surgery to repair torn ligaments or the labrum and restore joint stability. In more complex cases, we may also perform open surgery to treat significant bone loss and prevent further complications.

Here’s how these treatments can help you regain shoulder function and reduce the risk of recurrent shoulder dislocations:

Anti-inflammatory medications & PRP

Doctors may use anti-inflammatory medications to reduce joint pain, swelling, and irritation inside the shoulder joint. Similarly, PRP therapy may support natural healing by delivering concentrated growth factors to damaged tissues. These treatments can help restore function and reduce discomfort during daily activities.

Activity Modification

Orthopedic specialists may recommend activity modification to reduce joint stress and support shoulder stability. Here are some of the activity modifications that can protect your shoulder during daily activities:

• Avoid overhead lifting: Limit raising your arm above shoulder level, especially with heavy objects.
• Reduce repetitive motions: Minimize repeated shoulder movements that can strain the joint over time.
• Adjust your sleeping position: Sleep on your back or on the unaffected side to reduce pressure on your joints.
• Modify sports participation: Avoid contact or overhead sports that increase the risk of dislocation.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Surgeons may use arthroscopic techniques to repair damaged ligaments or a torn labrum using small instruments. These minimally invasive techniques use small incisions and a tiny camera to carefully examine and treat the shoulder joint. Moreover, this careful approach protects healthy tissues around the joint and reduces surgical trauma, supporting faster recovery.

However, the success of arthroscopic repair depends on the severity of tissue damage and the risk of reinjury. To ensure arthroscopy provides joint stability, surgeons may consider additional techniques such as patch augmentation. In fact, according to AANA, a study compared standard arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) with patch-augmented repair. The results revealed that patients with a higher risk of retear (RoHI score ≥7) had significantly lower retear rates with patch augmentation (21.6%) compared to standard repair(36.6%).

Joint Replacement Surgery

In more advanced cases, advanced procedures such as joint replacement surgery may be considered. However, we only recommend this treatment when there is severe joint damage or degeneration. During the procedure, the surgeon may remove the damaged parts of the shoulder joint and replace them with artificial implants.

Open Shoulder Surgery

If you have severe shoulder instability, bone loss, and significant pain that cannot be managed with minimally invasive techniques, we may recommend open surgery. In this procedure, surgeons make a larger incision to directly access the shoulder joint and clearly view all damaged structures.

This approach allows for the precise repair or reconstruction of bones, ligaments, and the labrum when the injury is more severe. In addition, it helps restore joint stability and reduces the risk of future dislocations.

Does a Brace Help Stabilize the Shoulder Joint?

Yes, a shoulder brace can help support and stabilize the shoulder joint, especially after an injury or during early recovery. Bracing limits excessive movement and helps keep the shoulder in a safer position during physical activities. This external support can also reduce strain on the ligaments and surrounding soft tissues, allowing the joint to function smoothly. Here are some common types of braces that can help you stabilize the shoulder after an injury:

• Shoulder immobilizer: Keeps the arm and shoulder in a fixed position to allow proper healing after injury.
• Sling with swathe: Supports the arm while limiting shoulder movement to reduce strain on injured tissues.
• Compression shoulder brace: Provides gentle pressure to reduce swelling and improve joint support during movement.
• Posture support brace: Improves shoulder alignment and reduces stress caused by poor posture.

What Exercises Help Improve Joint Stability?

Resistance band rotations, scapular stabilization drills, and isometric holds can improve shoulder joint stability. Similarly, prone T/Y raises, serratus punches, and shoulder blade squeezes can strengthen the supporting muscles around the shoulder and help maintain proper joint alignment during movement. Here’s how you can perform these exercises safely:

• Resistance band rotations: Keep your elbow close to your side at 90°, rotate your forearm slowly outward against the band.
• Scapular stabilization drills: Stand or sit upright, gently pull your shoulder blades back and down, hold briefly, then relax.
• Isometric holds: Press your hand lightly against a wall in different directions without moving your shoulder, hold for 5–10 seconds.
• Prone T/Y raises: Lie face down, lift your arms in a “T” or “Y” shape with thumbs up, keeping movements slow.
• Serratus punches: Lie on your back with your arm straight up, then push your hand toward the ceiling by lifting your shoulder blade slightly.
• Shoulder blade squeezes: Sit or stand tall, gently squeeze your shoulder blades together, hold for a few seconds.

How Long Does a Dislocated Shoulder Take to Heal?

A dislocated shoulder typically takes 12-16 weeks to heal fully, depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. In the first few weeks, you should rest the shoulder, use a sling, and limit movement to support healing. As recovery progresses, you can gradually start gentle exercises to restore motion and improve stability.

Book an Appointment Today with Dr. Michael Shindle for Shoulder Instability Treatment in Clifton!

If you have a dislocated shoulder, you may struggle with persistent pain that worsens during movement or even lifting light objects. You may also find it difficult to raise your arm or sleep comfortably due to constant shoulder pain. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to repeated dislocations and long-term joint damage.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Dr. Michael K. Shindle will carefully evaluate your shoulder using advanced imaging and precise physical examination. After that, he may recommend targeted non-surgical treatments to reduce joint pain. If needed, he will perform minimally invasive procedures to repair damaged shoulders and stabilize the joints. Call 855-321-6784 or visit us at 1037 US-46 #2023, Clifton, NJ 07013 for expert treatment.

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