Shoulder dislocation surgery is a vital procedure for those who experience recurring dislocations or severe instability in their shoulder joint. For patients, one key concern is recovery—what can you expect, and how long will it take before you feel like yourself again?
This blog will help you understand the recovery process after shoulder dislocation surgery, along with the care and commitment required to get back to normal activities.
What Happens During Shoulder Dislocation Surgery
Shoulder dislocation surgery is typically performed to stabilize the shoulder joint. This helps prevent the shoulder from dislocating again.
The surgery may involve repairing torn ligaments, tightening the joint capsule, or, in some cases, reconstructing parts of the joint with tissue or bone grafts.
Why Is Surgery Needed
Surgery is typically recommended for patients with:
- Repeated shoulder dislocations.
- A severely damaged joint.
- Significant instability affecting daily activities or sports.
Your orthopedic surgeon will carefully evaluate your specific case to determine the best surgical approach for you.
Recovery Timeline for Shoulder Dislocation Surgery
Recovery from shoulder dislocation surgery is a gradual process. Typically, it takes 12 to 16 weeks to regain most of your shoulder’s functionality. Complete recovery can take up to 6 months, depending on the individual and the severity of the injury.
Below is a general recovery timeline.
The First 2 Weeks
After surgery, expect swelling, stiffness, and soreness. You will likely wear a sling to protect your shoulder and keep it immobilized. During this time:
- Rest is crucial for proper healing.
- Your doctor may prescribe pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Use ice packs frequently to manage swelling.
Avoid lifting your arm or applying pressure to the shoulder. You will have follow-up appointments where your shoulder doctor assesses your incision and progress.
Weeks 2–6
During this phase, you will begin working with a physical therapist to regain mobility in your shoulder. Physical therapy focuses on:
- Passive range-of-motion exercises.
- Stretching to prevent stiffness.
These exercises are gentle and do not involve active shoulder movement yet.
You will typically remain in the sling for the first 4–6 weeks to ensure the repaired ligaments and tissue heal without reinjury.
Weeks 6–12
Around this time, physical therapy will become more dynamic. You will start:
- Active range-of-motion exercises.
- Strengthening exercises for shoulder muscles.
Gradually, your physical therapist will introduce resistance exercises to rebuild stability and strength in the repaired ligaments.
By the end of this phase, many individuals regain basic day-to-day arm functions like dressing, eating, and light household activities.
Months 3 to 6
This period is when most of your strength and mobility improve drastically. Exercises during physical therapy will mimic real-world movements, preparing your shoulder for activities like driving, returning to work, or hitting the gym.
For active individuals or athletes, a gradual return to sports will be guided by your physical therapist and shoulder surgeon. High-impact activities or sports requiring overhead movements need specific clearance and careful rehabilitation.
Beyond 6 Months
By six months, many patients achieve complete recovery. However, full recovery depends on maintaining post-operative exercise routines and avoiding excess strain on the shoulder.
Factors That Influence Recovery Time
Not everyone recovers at the same pace after shoulder dislocation surgery. Here are some factors that can affect your recovery timeline after shoulder dislocation surgery.
Nature of the Injury
Severe dislocations with accompanying ligaments or labral tears often take longer to heal than mild injuries. Repeated dislocations before surgery can weaken your shoulder’s overall condition.
Surgical Method
Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive and typically has a faster recovery timeline compared to open surgery, which involves larger incisions.
Age and Overall Health
Younger and healthier individuals often recover more quickly due to better healing ability and muscle strength.
Adherence to Physical Therapy
A dedicated approach to physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation after shoulder dislocation surgery. Follow your therapist’s guidance to avoid setbacks.
Lifestyle and Activity Level
Active individuals and athletes may require additional rehabilitation to return to high-impact activities.
Shoulder Dislocation Surgery in Carmel, IN
If your shoulder dislocates frequently or you feel severe pain and instability, consulting a specialist is the best course of action. Shoulder dislocation surgery offers relief and improves your quality of life by stabilizing the joint.
At Total Shoulder in Carmel, IN, our team, led by Dr. Stephen P. Jacobsen, specializes in shoulder pain and injuries. We ensure patients receive compassionate, expert care tailored to their needs—helping them regain strength, mobility, and comfort.
From diagnosis to personalized shoulder dislocation treatment plans, we are here to support your recovery every step of the way.
To learn more about shoulder dislocation surgery or schedule a consultation with our shoulder surgeon, call us today at (317) 705-4392 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
