How to Stop a Shoulder Dislocation from Happening Again

A shoulder dislocation can be a confronting experience – and when it happens more than once, it can significantly affect confidence and daily activity. Recurrent dislocations are common, particularly in younger and active individuals, and are usually a sign that the shoulder joint has lost some of its stability.

Understanding why the shoulder continues to dislocate, and how to restore stability, is key to preventing further episodes and long-term damage.

Why Some Shoulders Dislocate Repeatedly

The shoulder is an inherently mobile joint, designed to allow a wide range of movement in the arm. This flexibility, however, makes it more vulnerable to instability. During a dislocation, the ball of the upper arm bone (humeral head) moves completely out of its socket (glenoid), stretching or tearing the tissues that normally hold it in place.

Once these stabilising structures – including the labrum, ligaments, and capsule – are compromised, the shoulder can become more prone to slipping out again. Even everyday movements can sometimes trigger a repeat dislocation.

Why Shoulder Dislocations Tend to Recur

Some people are more likely to experience repeated dislocations due to a combination of age, activity, and the extent of the original injury. Factors that increase recurrence include:

• Younger age: Individuals under 25 have higher recurrence rates due to more elastic soft tissue and higher activity levels.
• Sporting activity: Contact or overhead sports, such as football, basketball, netball, or swimming, place the shoulder under repeated stress.
• Structural injury: Damage to the labrum or surrounding bone (for example, a Bankart or Hill-Sachs lesion) can reduce stability.
• Incomplete rehabilitation: Returning to activity too soon or without restoring full strength can leave the shoulder vulnerable to redislocation.

Each subsequent dislocation can further weaken the soft tissues and bone, creating a cycle of instability if not addressed properly.

How to Reduce the Risk of Another Shoulder Dislocation

While the risk of recurrence is real, it can often be reduced through a combination of rehabilitation, protective strategies, and, in some cases, surgical stabilisation.

1. Comprehensive Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy plays a critical role in recovery and prevention. A structured program helps strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular stabiliser muscles, which keep the ball of the shoulder joint centred in its socket. Exercises are usually introduced gradually to rebuild both strength and neuromuscular control. Consistency and adherence to your rehabilitation plan are key to reducing the risk of another dislocation.

2. Adequate Healing Time

It’s important to allow the shoulder to heal before returning to sport or demanding activity. Premature loading or contact can overstretch healing tissues. Your treating specialist or physiotherapist will guide you on safe timelines for progressing movement, strengthening, and eventually returning to sport.

3. Recognising Ongoing Instability

Persistent sensations of slipping, catching, or apprehension when moving the arm can indicate residual instability. These symptoms should not be ignored, as repeated dislocations can cause further damage to the shoulder joint and may lead to arthritis later in life. Ongoing instability warrants reassessment by a shoulder specialist.

4. Considering Surgical Stabilisation

In cases where rehabilitation alone cannot restore stability – particularly when there is structural damage to the labrum or bone – surgery may be recommended. Procedures such as arthroscopic Bankart repair or the Latarjet procedure can resecure or reconstruct the shoulder’s stabilising structures, significantly reducing the likelihood of future dislocations.

Modern surgical techniques have excellent outcomes, especially when combined with appropriate postoperative rehabilitation.

When to Seek Specialist Advice

If your shoulder continues to dislocate or feels unstable despite rehabilitation, it’s important to seek assessment from an orthopaedic shoulder specialist. Advanced imaging such as MRI or CT can help identify structural causes of instability and determine whether further treatment – including surgical repair – is needed.

Early intervention not only prevents further injury but also improves long-term joint stability and function. With the right care, most patients regain confidence in their shoulder and return to full activity without fear of recurrence.

Mr Soong Chua is a Melbourne-based orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder and elbow conditions. He treats patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, offering both non-surgical and surgical options tailored to each individual.