After a period of immobilization (say a few weeks), you should begin a course of gradual progress in range of motion at the shoulder joint. This helps to preserve the natural movement and lessen the risk of recurrent dislocation. When good progress is made with range of motion, strengthening exercises may be added to help return you to full function.
Outlook
Good follow-up care is basic to preventing dislocation again and healing damaged tissues. Even with the best care, however, dislocation can reoccur. About 90% of people who experience shoulder dislocations when younger than 20 years go on to experience a second dislocation. After age 40 years, 14% have a second dislocation. If a dislocation occurs a second time in the same shoulder, especially with less trauma, you should be evaluated for the possibility of a tearing away of other structures in your shoulder. If this is the situation, you may need surgical repair to prevent returning shoulder dislocations.
