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Shoulder Dislocation & Instability
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Shoulder Dislocation Rehabilitation in Perth

The shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body — and the most frequently re-injured. The quality of rehabilitation after a first dislocation is the most important factor in preventing recurrence.

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Shoulder Dislocation & Instability

Shoulder Dislocation Rehabilitation in Perth

Shoulder dislocation occurs when the humeral head is displaced from the glenoid cavity — in 95% of cases anteriorly. It is the most common large joint dislocation, accounting for approximately 50% of all joint dislocations presenting to emergency departments.

Recurrence risk is strongly related to age at first dislocation: in individuals under 20, recurrence rates exceed 80% without structured rehabilitation. Comprehensive physiotherapy following reduction is the most effective intervention for reducing this risk without surgery. <sup>[1]</sup>

At Move Physiotherapy, we implement a structured, criterion-based rehabilitation programme following shoulder dislocation — with objective strength and neuromuscular testing to guide return to sport decisions.

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Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.
Shoulder Dislocation & Instability
Shoulder Dislocation & Instability
🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Causes

Types of Shoulder Instability

Anterior dislocation — fall onto outstretched arm or forced external rotation with abduction
Posterior dislocation — seizure, electrocution, or direct anterior blow
Multidirectional instability — generalised ligamentous laxity without specific trauma
Recurrent instability — repeated subluxation or dislocation following inadequate rehabilitation

Our Approach

The Move Process

01
Post-Reduction Assessment
Neurovascular screening, rotator cuff integrity testing, and stability assessment following reduction. Review of imaging to characterise labral and bony pathology.
02
Guided Recovery
Phase 1 management within evidence-based movement restrictions — restoring range of motion while protecting healing labral tissue.
03
Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
Rotator cuff strengthening with emphasis on external rotators, dynamic stabilisation exercises, and proprioceptive retraining to restore shoulder control.
04
Criteria-Based Return to Sport
Objective strength testing (VALD dynamometry) and functional testing to confirm readiness before return to contact or overhead sport.

Why Move Physiotherapy

What sets us apart

✦
Recurrence Prevention Focus
Our programme is specifically designed around the evidence for reducing recurrence risk — the primary goal after first dislocation in young athletes.
✦
Objective Return-to-Sport Testing
We use VALD dynamometry to confirm that rotator cuff strength symmetry meets evidence-based thresholds before return to contact sport.
✦
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after a shoulder dislocation can I return to sport?+
Most athletes require a minimum of 12-16 weeks of rehabilitation. Key criteria include full, pain-free range of motion; rotator cuff strength symmetry of 90% or greater compared to the uninjured side; and successful completion of sport-specific movement tasks.
Do I need surgery after a shoulder dislocation?+
Not necessarily. In older adults with a first dislocation, conservative management is almost always the first approach as recurrence rates are lower. In young athletes in contact sports, the evidence for surgical stabilisation is stronger given very high recurrence rates. This decision should be made with your physiotherapist and an orthopaedic specialist.
Will my shoulder ever be as strong as before?+
With a complete rehabilitation programme, the majority of people achieve full or near-full return of shoulder strength and function. Objective strength testing is the most reliable way to confirm this — restoration of strength symmetry is a key discharge criterion.
What is a Bankart lesion?+
A Bankart lesion is a tear of the anterior inferior labrum from the glenoid rim — the most common structural injury with anterior shoulder dislocation. The labrum acts as a bumper that deepens the glenoid socket; when torn, it reduces the mechanical restraint to further dislocation. Large or bony Bankart lesions significantly increase recurrence risk.
How will I know if my shoulder is about to dislocate again?+
Common signs include: apprehension in specific positions (particularly abduction and external rotation for anterior instability), a dead arm sensation with overhead activity, clicking or giving-way episodes, or a sensation of looseness. These are indicators for reassessment and targeted rehabilitation.

Full Treatment Pathway

Related Services

Effective treatment for shoulder dislocation & instability often involves more than one service. Explore the approaches we use as part of a complete care pathway.

Sports Physiotherapy

Sport-specific diagnosis, load management, and criteria-based return-to-sport rehabilitation.

Learn more →
Exercise Rehabilitation

Progressive, gym-based rehabilitation programs that rebuild strength and prevent recurrence.

Learn more →

From the Blog

Further Reading

ACL Rehab: Why 9 Months Is a Floor, Not a Ceiling
Clinical Article
ACL Rehab: Why 9 Months Is a Floor, Not a Ceiling
Why returning to sport at 9 months is based on guesswork unless you've met objective criteria — and what the Melbourne Return to Sport framework actually requires.
Daniel Ryan · 12 min read
Read →

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Book OnlineCall 08 6113 8062