Shoulder Instability Surgery: Recovery and More

Imagine this: you're reaching up to grab something from a high shelf when, suddenly, your shoulder feels like it’s slipping out of place. A sharp twinge of pain follows, and panic sets in. Unsure of what just happened, you decide to play it safe and visit a doctor.

After a thorough exam, you're told you have shoulder instability - a condition that occurs when the structures supporting the shoulder joint become loose or damaged. The doctor reassures you, explaining there are non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments to help stabilize the joint.

However, if these measures don’t provide relief, shoulder instability surgery may be the best way to restore function and prevent further complications. For those dealing with recurring shoulder instability, this surgical option offers a chance to reclaim mobility and live pain-free.

What Causes Shoulder Instability?

Shoulder instability happens when the structures that hold your shoulder joint in place—like the ligaments, labrum, bones, tendons, or muscles—become loose or damaged. Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, which makes it very flexible but also can lead to instability or slipping out of place. When the joint can’t stay stable, it might feel like it’s going to “pop out” or even dislocate entirely. This instability can make everyday movements, like reaching or lifting, uncomfortable, painful or downright impossible.

Causes and risk factors

There are several reasons why shoulder instability can develop. Sometimes, it’s due to a traumatic injury, like falling hard on an outstretched arm or experiencing a dislocation from sports. Overuse is another common culprit, especially in athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions, such as swimmers or baseball pitchers. They have more laxity and have a higher risk of dislocation. For some, it’s simply a matter of genetics—looser joints can make you more prone to this condition. In rarer cases, medical conditions like connective tissue disorders might also play a role.

Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom is the feeling that your shoulder is unstable or could slip out of place. You might experience shoulder pain during certain movements, especially when reaching overhead or across your body. Some people notice swelling or a general sense of weakness in the shoulder. In more severe cases, frequent dislocations or subluxations (partial dislocations) become a frustrating, recurring issue. If any of this sounds familiar, it’s a sign your shoulder might need professional attention.

Treatment for shoulder instability

Treatment for shoulder instability varies depending on factors such as the severity of the condition, the frequency of dislocations, and one's activity level. Non-surgical options like physical therapy can strengthen shoulder muscles while bracing may help limit movement. For mild cases, lifestyle changes might be all that’s needed to prevent further instability.

If noninvasive methods don’t provide relief for all shoulder conditions, more advanced interventions might be necessary. Doctors may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or, in some cases, minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to tighten or repair damaged ligaments. These approaches aim to restore stability without requiring a full surgical reconstruction of the joint.

When all else fails, shoulder instability surgery is the best option for fully restoring the joint’s function. This surgery typically involves tightening the ligaments, repairing torn tissue, or fixing any bony deficits ensuring the shoulder stays in place. Recovery can take time, but with proper rehabilitation, many patients regain full mobility and return to their favorite activities without fear of dislocation.

Shoulder instability surgery

Shoulder instability surgery is designed to restore stability to the joint by repairing torn labrum tissue and/or tightening damaged ligaments and tissues. This is often done arthroscopically, using small incisions and a camera to guide the procedure. In more severe cases, open surgery may be needed to reconstruct the joint and prevent further dislocations.

The good news is that shoulder instability surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can usually leave the hospital, or surgical center, the same day. The surgery itself lasts about one to two hours, depending on the complexity. Afterward, you’ll spend some time in recovery before heading home to start the healing process.

Recovery from shoulder instability surgery takes time and patience. Initial healing may take six weeks, during which your arm will likely be immobilized in a sling. Full recovery, including physical therapy to regain strength and mobility, can take three to six months. Following your doctor’s guidance is key to achieving the best results.

Is shoulder instability surgery worth it?

For many, shoulder instability surgery is absolutely worth it. Chronic instability can significantly impact daily life, making even simple tasks difficult or painful. Surgery offers a long-term solution by repairing the joint and preventing future dislocations. While the recovery process takes time, the ability to regain strength and stability is often life-changing.

Moreover, the risks associated with untreated shoulder instability—like further damage to the joint or recurring dislocations - often outweigh the temporary inconvenience of surgery and rehabilitation. For those who have tried non-surgical treatments without success, the procedure provides a reliable path to improved mobility, reduced pain, and a return to normal activities.

What happens after surgery?

Recovery after shoulder instability surgery starts with rest and proper care. Keeping your shoulder immobilized in a sling helps protect the repair during the initial healing phase. Ice packs can reduce swelling, and pain management, including prescribed medications, ensures comfort. Following post-surgical instructions is critical to a smooth recovery process.
Physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength and mobility. Your therapist will tailor a program for you, starting with gentle range-of-motion exercises for shoulder instability and gradually introducing strength-building movements. Consistency is key; attending sessions and practicing at home will help restore your shoulder’s function and prevent stiffness.

To keep shoulder instability from coming back, focus on maintaining strength and flexibility in the joint. Regularly practicing recommended exercises can reinforce stability. Avoid activities that overly strain the shoulder, especially during recovery. If you play sports, work with a coach or trainer to ensure proper techniques that minimize injury risk.

Wrap up

“Shoulder instability is a complex problem, and a tailored treatment program (both surgically and nonsurgically) is critical to addressing the problem correctly.  Not every unstable shoulder is the same or should be treated the same, and a proper evaluation including physical examination, imaging, and discussion of treatment options is the standard of care of how we treat our patients with instability,” says Dr. William Sayde, one of the board-certified orthopedic sports surgeons at OINJ.

Shoulder instability surgery can be a transformative option for those struggling with chronic instability and recurring dislocations. While the recovery process requires patience and effort, the long-term benefits often outweigh the temporary challenges.

With the right treatment plan, physical therapy, and preventative care, many individuals regain full mobility and return to their favorite activities without fear of injury. If non-surgical methods haven’t provided relief, discussing surgery with your doctor could be the first step toward reclaiming an active, pain-free life.

Don’t let shoulder instability hold you back—there are solutions to help you move forward with confidence.

Take the first step toward a full recovery—schedule a consultation with the Orthopedic Institute of NJ to explore your options for shoulder instability surgery today!

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Shoulder instability is a complex problem, and a tailored treatment program (both surgically and nonsurgically) is critical to addressing the problem correctly.  Not every unstable shoulder is the same or should be treated the same, and a proper evaluation including physical examination, imaging, and discussion of treatment options is the standard of care of how we treat our patients with instability

William Sayde, MD, Orthopedic Surgery, Shoulder and Knee, Sports Medicine