Explained: How Wolves can fix Adama Traore’s shoulder injury without surgery
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Nuno Espirito Santo recently admitted that Wolverhampton Wanderers are trying to find solutions to Adama Traore’s shoulder problem without resorting to him undergoing surgery. The 24-year-old has dislocated his shoulder on three separate occasions this season and may be targeted by clubs if the underlying problem isn’t fixed.
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Nuno told the Express and Star: “You cannot avoid that. What you have to do is for him to not have a weak spot. There are solutions for this injury before an operation. That is what we will try to avoid. There are things our doctor (Matt Perry) is doing to avoid the final situation.” So what are Wolves’ options to fix the problem?
The NHS’ official website states that Traore could wear a polysling to keep his shoulder comfortable outside of doing exercises. The next step would be to increase his range of movement, strengthen the rotator cuff & scapula and re-establish the muscle balance. Finally, Traore could regain neuromuscular control of his shoulder and re-train his proprioception.
He can use painkillers to get through games, do short and frequent sessions (5-10 minutes, four times a day) while in rehabilitation and complete dozens of tailored exercises to fast-track recovery – Shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, shoulder lateral rotation, shoulder flexors and shoulder extensors.
The chances of re-dislocation depend on how the ligaments and muscles around the shoulder have healed. Performing regular strengthening exercises will increase the structural support and joint stability. Young males are most likely to re-dislocate due to having a higher percentage of stretchy collagen or tissue in their joints.
Expert advice suggests that Traore shouldn’t take part in sporting activities for at least six weeks, so whether Wolves can really find a quickfire solution to have him finish the season that doesn’t involve surgery remains to be seen.