Shoulder Dislocated during Physiotherapy

[KieranJ]

Thank you all for the reply, I guess it was just unfortunate because the girl was only in her late 20's and wouldn't have much experience, I have been to a highly regarded orthopaedic consultant since and he advised to keep the sling on for 4 more weeks and to stay away from physios, he suggested that physiotherapy is no help to this injury andthat it need just the required rest and a few simple but consistent exercises to strenghten the muscles.

Don't worry physioONE, I have not lost faith in ye .
I'm going on holiday in 2 weeks time to thailand so I'm a bit worried about my arm. I was wondering about going swimming and the different strokes, are there some that would make me vulnerable and some that would help if performed gently.
Also I am wondering about the rowing machines you find in the gym if this would be a good exercise for my arm.

[physioONE]

Hello
From the way you dislocated in the Physiotherapy assessment it sounds as if you dislocated anteriorly and therefore have an anterior instability. This is classically the 'stop position', imagine you are trying to halt traffic! So your vulnerable position at present is arm taken to the side 90 degrees with your fingers pointed up to the ceiling. If you have multi-directional instability other positions may be vulnerable also. So basically I would avoid or take care with any of these 'stop positions'. This includes butterfly, freestyle, back crawl and to a degree breaststroke! Gentle breaststroke with a small range may be ok but the resistance from the water will put more strain on your joint. I may go more for the snorkelling type of swimming where your arms are by your side or hold a float across your chest and use your legs. You may be fine swimming but the risk of it dislocating is there and being abroad when that happens wouldn't be fun.
It sounds as if the consultant is suggesting general rotator cuff strength exercises where you resist taking your hand towards your stomach and away from you with your upper arm and elbow at your side. Also the rowing machine should be fine.
Laura