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Joint instability can cause pain, weakness, and a higher risk of further injury. At Desert Pain Specialists in Rancho Mirage, California, Roland Reinhart, MD, and Meaghan Berglund, PA-C, use joint stabilization techniques to support and strengthen weakened joints. Treatments are personalized to address arthritis, ligament damage, or chronic instability, allowing patients to return to daily activities with confidence. Contact Desert Pain Specialists by phone or request an appointment online today to learn about your joint stabilization options.
Joint Stabilization Q & A
What is joint stabilization?
Joint stabilization strengthens and supports joints that are weak, unstable, or damaged, allowing you to move more safely and comfortably.
Instability can develop because of:
- An injury (like a sprain or dislocation)
- Arthritis
- Ligament laxity or tears
- Natural wear and tear over time
When support tissues stretch or weaken, the joint may shift abnormally, causing pain, swelling, and a higher risk of further injury.
Joint stabilization controls excessive motion and improves alignment while you build strength and control around the joint. It reduces the risk of your joint giving way when you use it, protects healing tissues, and helps you get back to the activities you enjoy.
What joint stabilization techniques are available?
The Desert Pain Specialists team tailors each patient’s care plan to their condition, but common options include:
Bracing, splinting, and supportive devices
Custom or off-the-shelf braces and splints limit harmful motion, guide the joint into better alignment, and protect it during activity. Shoe inserts or custom orthotics can improve the limb’s biomechanics.
Taping
Athletic or kinesiology taping provides light external support, supports better movement patterns, and reduces swelling. It’s often helpful for delivering short-term stability during rehabilitation or sport.
Customized exercise programs
Targeted strengthening builds the muscles that stabilize your joints (for example, the rotator cuff for shoulders, the quadriceps/hip muscles for knees, and the core for the spine). Programs also include training in balance and proprioception (your body’s sense of its position and movements) to improve joint control and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Physical therapy
A physical therapist progresses you through mobility work, manual techniques, neuromuscular training, and graded functional drills. Therapy also addresses posture, gait, and sport-specific mechanics to prevent overload.
Activity modification and education
Short-term changes, such as adjusting training volume, using assistive devices temporarily, or modifying work tasks, can help alleviate irritation while your joint heals and strengthens.
With treatment, patients often report reduced pain, improved function, fewer episodes of instability, and increased confidence during movement. Bracing or taping typically provides quick relief, while exercise and therapy deliver longer-term stability.
Mild soreness or fatigue is common as you challenge weak muscles and retrain movement; this typically improves as strength and control build. Your provider sets a wear schedule for braces/tape and updates your program as you improve.
Desert Pain Specialists provides individualized joint stabilization plans to reduce pain, restore control, and keep you active. Call the office to discuss your symptoms or book an appointment online today.