Nonsurgical Treatment of a Preprofessional Contemporary Dancer With Posterior Shoulder Instability and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Background Contemporary dance requires large ranges of motion of the upper extremities (UEs) to gesture, change directions, control floorwork, and partner other dancers. As a result, contemporary dancers are at a higher risk for UEs and traumatic injuries compared to other dancers. Case Presentation An 18-year-old preprofessional contemporary dancer presented to physical therapy (PT) with pain, hand numbness, and arm weakness following a traumatic shoulder dislocation. She had a 5-year history of nearly 40 previous dislocations or subluxations, 2 shoulder surgeries, and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Outcome and Follow Up Over 1 month of PT treatment, she progressed through stabilization exercises and dance-based dynamic strengthening. She reported decreased pain, resolution of numbness, and near-full return to dancing over 40 hours per week. Discussion This case demonstrates that hypermobile contemporary dancers may do well with nonsurgical management of posterior shoulder instability and return to high levels of training. JOSPT Cases 2022;2(3):124–129. Epub: 21 June 2022. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2022.10853