Will I Ever Be Able to Return to Sports After a Shoulder Dislocation?

As an athlete, you rely on your shoulder to perform motion under pressure. But, due to wear-and-tear or injury, your shoulder joint can become damaged. And shoulder dislocation is one of the more startling ways this can happen!

When your shoulder dislocates, the “ball” part of the joint pops out of the “socket.” Dislocating your shoulder is painful, and it requires prompt treatment to restore and maintain the full function of the joint, especially if you want to return to an active role in your sport.

See orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr. Joseph Humpherys at Rapid City Orthopedics in Rapid City, South Dakota, for comprehensive treatment of shoulder dislocation. Dr. Humpherys assists you through the repair and recovery process.

If you’re planning on returning to athletics, let Dr. Humpherys know. He can recommend the best pace for your recovery and let you know what to expect.

Sports and shoulder dislocation

Your shoulder joint moves constantly whenever you’re active. And, in many sports, your shoulder joint has to handle a lot of tension and pressure. Those factors combine to make shoulder dislocation a common sports injury. Shoulder dislocation is often related to a violent impact to your shoulder or an extreme rotation of your shoulder joint.

Your shoulder can dislocate totally or partially. When your shoulder dislocates, you feel immediate and severe pain. You could also experience tingling or weakness in your arm or neck. Your shoulder joint is likely to lose function and may appear abnormal in shape. Swelling and bruising appear soon after the injury occurs.

Because shoulder dislocation involves so much force, it’s also common to experience related shoulder injuries simultaneously. You could tear your rotator cuff or experience a labral tear. All of these injuries need treatment to prevent long-term shoulder instability.

Athletics after shoulder dislocation

After a dislocation, your shoulder is prone to re-injury. That’s why it’s essential to get the right care, especially if you’d like to return to athletics post-recovery.

Dr. Humpherys assesses your injury and restabilizes your damaged shoulder joint. Depending on your condition, you may need imaging scans. 

Dr. Humpherys may recommend surgical repair for significant damage. After your dislocated shoulder is repaired, physical therapy stretches and exercises help to safely restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Returning to your sport depends on regaining your full strength and range of motion. Adult athletes can often return to play within about three months. Younger athletes are at higher risk of shoulder redislocation and may need longer before returning to full-intensity training or competition.

Dr. Humpherys has the sports medicine expertise you can rely on to help you make the best decisions about your athletic future after an injury. He can also advise you on staying conditioned during your rehabilitation and recovery.

If you’ve experienced a shoulder dislocation and you’re worried about your athletic future, get in touch with our team at Rapid City Orthopedics for expert treatment and support. With us on your team, an injury doesn’t have to be the end of your sports career.

To schedule your appointment, give us a call today, or book with our online tool.