An alternate conservative management of shoulder dislocations and subluxations.

This paper presents clinical observations/results of the application of an alternate method to traditional conservative management of subluxations and dislocations of the glenohumeral joint on major junior hockey players. The proposed program involves three stages: 1) rest and nutrition, 2) interferential current and faradic muscle stimulation, and 3) a traditional progressive-resistance weight-training program in conjunction with a specially designed orthosis. Current scientific theory on soft tissue healing and repair is reviewed as the backdrop to the proposed regimen. The resulting 100% success rate is compared to the success rate of conventional conservative therapeutic programs. The orthosis is a potentially useful therapeutic device permitting safe ranges of shoulder movement during the healing process, but scientific investigation is needed to determine the precise effect of the orthosis within the proposed therapy program.