Return to Sports After Shoulder Stabilization – What Athletes Can Expect

Introduction

If your shoulder has dislocated more than once, surgery may be the best way to keep it stable and get you back in the game. Athletes often ask: When can I return to sports? and Will I be the same as before? This article explains what shoulder stabilization surgery involves, what recovery looks like, and what athletes can expect about returning to play.

What Is Shoulder Stabilization Surgery?

Shoulder stabilization surgery repairs or rebuilds the tissues that keep the shoulder from slipping out of place. Different techniques are used depending on the type of injury:

• Bankart repair: Reattaches the torn labrum and ligaments to the socket using sutures and anchors.

• Remplissage: Fills in a dent in the ball of the shoulder (Hill-Sachs lesion) with part of the rotator cuff tendon to make the joint more stable.

• Latarjet procedure: Moves a piece of bone from the shoulder blade to the front of the socket to add strength and prevent repeat dislocations.

• Bone grafting (iliac crest or allograft/DTA): Uses bone from the hip or a donor to rebuild the socket when there is severe bone loss.

Some of these surgeries can be done arthroscopically (through small cuts with a camera), while others are done through an open incision. Your surgeon chooses the best option based on your age, injury severity, and your sport, amongst other things.

Why Recovery and Rehab Matter

• Surgery restores the anatomy, but healing takes time.

• Physical therapy builds motion and strength so the shoulder can handle sport-specific movements.

• Rushing back too soon can increase the chance of another dislocation or damaging the repair.

Typical Recovery Timeline (Approximate)

Weeks 0–6:

• Arm in a sling to protect the repair.

• Gentle motion only, guided by your surgeon and therapist.

6–12 weeks:

• Sling is discontinued.

• Begin active motion and light strengthening.

3–4 months:

• Progressive strengthening.

• Start sport-specific drills (non-contact).

5–6 months:

• More advanced training.

• Contact drills may begin for collision athletes if strength and motion are restored.

6–8 months:

• Return to full competition if cleared by your surgeon and therapist.

Studies show that most athletes return to sports around 5–7 months after surgery, depending on the procedure and sport.

Factors That Affect Timing of Return to Play

• Type of surgery: soft tissue vs. bony procedure

• Sport type: collision vs. throwing.

• Severity of injury: number of prior dislocations, bone loss, tissue quality.

• Age: younger athletes tend to heal faster but have higher risk of reinjury.

• Rehab commitment: following the program is key.

Risks of Returning Too Soon

• Shoulder not fully healed → risk of repeat dislocation.

• Weak muscles → reduced performance and higher reinjury risk.

• Damage to the repair → may require another surgery.

Tips for a Successful Return

• Stick to your rehab program.

• Build strength in the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles.

• Work on balance and control, not just power.

• Ease back into your sport with non-contact drills before competition.

• Communicate with your surgeon, therapist, and coach before returning.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start practicing again?

Light drills and non-contact practice usually start around 3–4 months, depending on progress.

When can I return to full contact?

Most athletes return around 5–6 months, sometimes later for high-contact or overhead sports.

Will I get back to my previous level?

Many athletes do, but rates vary depending on the type of sport. Commitment to rehab makes a big difference.

Conclusion

Shoulder stabilization surgery can help athletes return to their sport with a stable, reliable shoulder. Most athletes get back to play within 5-7 months, though the timeline depends on the surgery, the sport, and rehab. The key is patience, consistency, and not rushing the process.

Call to book an appointment to learn more about shoulder stabilization surgery and your path back to sports:

646-665-6784

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About the Author

C. Lucas Myerson, MD – Orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always talk to your doctor and physical therapist about your recovery plan.

Sources

• Hurley ET et al. Majority of Studies Show Similar Rates of Return to Play After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair or Latarjet Procedure: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2024

• Gouveia K et al. Return to Sport After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair With Remplissage: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2023

• Oak SR et al. Rehabilitation and Return to Play of the Athlete after an Upper Extremity Injury. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2022

• Otley T et al. Return to Sport After Shoulder Stabilization Procedures: A Criteria-Based Testing Continuum to Guide Rehabilitation and Inform Return-to-Play Decision Making. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2022