Shoulder instability is a condition in which part of the shoulder moves out of its normal position, potentially leading to shoulder dislocation, as well as symptoms like pain and a feeling that the shoulder is loose. Shoulder instability is often caused by repetitive stress, although other problems can also cause the condition. Getting treatment for your shoulder injury is important for your health, as well as very affordable in most cases. Below, we will take a look at the typical cost of treatment of shoulder instability.
Treatment of Shoulder Instability
Depending on the severity of the condition and how it has responded to previous treatments, a variety of different methods may be used in the treatment of shoulder instability. The most common treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes – Patients are instructed to make changes to their activities and to avoid activities that aggravate symptoms. For example, athletes may need to change how they train by improving their form or adding in cross-training.
- Physical therapy – Physical therapy is used to strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder joint thus improving stability and increasing the amount of activities that the patient can safely perform. A home exercise program will be important in the long run.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Medications like naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen are used to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with shoulder instability.
- Arthroscopic surgery – This type of surgery uses tiny tools and incisions to treat the shoulder instability. Arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive and can be performed in an outpatient setting.
- Open shoulder surgery – In severe cases, the doctor may need to perform traditional open joint surgery in the treatment of shoulder instability. With this type of surgery, the doctor makes a large incision over the shoulder. Open shoulder surgery is more invasive, and usually requires a hospital stay.
Cost of Treatment
The cost of treatment varies depending on which type of treatment is used. If the doctor is able to treat the condition using non-surgical methods like medication and physical therapy, then treatment should be very low-cost. If surgery is required, then the cost of treatment will be higher.
Your insurance should cover the cost of treatment, so check with your insurance company about how your plan covers your anticipated treatments. If you have a high deductible and a high copay, you may need to use financing to spread your out of pocket costs over a long period of time.
Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your shoulder instability. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.