Shoulder dislocation: understanding this episode and making your return to sport safe

What is a shoulder dislocation?

Shoulder dislocation anatomy

A shoulder dislocation is a complete loss of contact between the head of the humerus and the shoulder blade’s socket (the glenoid), most often forward (anterior dislocation, the most common type). It’s the most common joint dislocation in the human body, directly linked to this joint’s great mobility, which comes at the expense of its stability.

Why does this dislocation happen?

Dislocation most often occurs during direct trauma (a fall, an impact) or a forced cocked-arm movement (external rotation, arm raised), the position in which the shoulder is most vulnerable. It can damage the labrum (a Bankart lesion) or the bone of the humeral head (a Hill-Sachs lesion), which increases the risk of future recurrence.

Which sports contribute to shoulder dislocation?

All sports that place the arm in a cocked position or expose you to a risk of falling directly on the shoulder are involved:

• Rugby, during tackles and falls
• Handball and volleyball
• Judo and combat sports
• Skiing and snowboarding
• Climbing
• Throwing sports

Treating a shoulder dislocation in rehab with a sports physio

Once the dislocation has been reduced by a healthcare professional, the goal of treatment is to progressively strengthen the structures that actively stabilise the shoulder to prevent recurrence, which is very common without suitable rehab.

1. 1Protection and reducing pain
2. 2Recovering pain-free mobility
3. 3Isometric strengthening of the cuff
4. 4Strengthening shoulder blade stability
5. 5Shoulder proprioceptive work
6. 6Closed-chain strengthening
7. 7Open-chain strengthening
8. 8Strengthening under sport-specific load
9. 9Progressive return to your sport
10. 10Return to competition

Why the physio’s initial assessment matters

During the initial assessment, the physiotherapist aims to identify the precise circumstances of the dislocation, how it was reduced, any previous episodes, and the level of apprehension felt during at-risk movements.

“The first dislocation is treated, further ones are prevented, through real strengthening work.”

Strengthening active stability, the cornerstone of treatment

Strengthening the rotator cuff and the shoulder blade stabilisers creates the dynamic stability that’s essential after a dislocation, particularly in young athletes who have the highest risk of recurrence. Proprioceptive work also trains the shoulder’s protective reflexes.

In brief

• Complete rotator cuff strengthening
• Shoulder proprioceptive work
• Strengthening the shoulder blade stabilisers
• Gradual return: mobility, then load, then sport

Should you rest or keep playing sport?

After the initial immobilisation period prescribed by the doctor, prolonged rest isn’t recommended: it’s active, progressive strengthening that durably protects the shoulder against further dislocation.

When should you see a specialist for a shoulder dislocation?

Any dislocation must be urgently reduced by a healthcare professional if this hasn’t already been done. A medical opinion is then needed to assess the condition of the structures (labrum, bone) and discuss whether surgical stabilisation might be necessary, particularly in young athletes at high risk of recurrence.

The HOPP care programmes to treat your shoulder dislocation and safely get back to sport

This dislocation requires complete strengthening and proprioceptive work to durably secure your shoulder and prevent recurrence. HOPP offers you a precise exercise programme, allowing you to get back to your activities as quickly as possible.

The programme runs from 3 to 9 weeks depending on the injury and ends with a reconditioning phase allowing a return to competition in the best possible conditions. Each programme is designed by the HOPP team, made up of two sports physiotherapists who are experts in assessing and treating athletes. You’ll also find theoretical content throughout your progression, so you master every aspect of your recovery and can adjust your treatment independently. If needed, our team of physiotherapists is on hand to support you.

A programme that adapts to you every day

Every day, how you feel (RPE) is factored in to automatically adjust the rest of your programme: more load if all is well, a bit less if your shoulder is complaining. This daily personalisation is what makes the difference compared to a fixed, paper-based programme.

Ready to start your programme?

Join the HOPP support programme designed by sports physios.

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