Regain Stability and Confidence: Evidence-Based Shoulder Dislocation Rehab Program by Physio360 Clinic

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent shoulder dislocation — when the shoulder joint repeatedly slips out of place — not only causes pain and limitation, but also carries the risk of long-term instability, functional loss and joint damage. The glenohumeral joint, with its wide range of motion, relies heavily on soft-tissue stabilisers. When those stabilisers are compromised (for example, by a previous dislocation, labral tear, capsular stretch or bony lesion), the risk of recurrence rises. PMC+2PMC+2 

At Physio360 Clinic in Chennai, our goal is to restore dynamic stability, rebuild the shoulder’s support system, and safely guide patients back to full activity.

Understanding the Condition

• The shoulder joint has only about 30% bony contact area; the rest of its stability comes from the labrum, joint capsule, glenohumeral ligaments, rotator cuff and scapular musculature. PMC

• Risk factors for recurrent dislocation include: previous dislocation (especially at a young age), high-demand sports, ligamentous laxity, Hill-Sachs lesions or Bankart lesions. PMC+1

• Rehabilitation is key: early motion, muscle recruitment, scapular control and proprioception all contribute to reducing recurrence risk. PMC+1

  
  

Exercise Protocol: Phase-by-Phase Approach

Phase 1: Acute / Protection Phase (Weeks 0-2)

Goals:

 Protect the joint, reduce pain/swelling, and begin gentle activation.

• Sling use as prescribed; encourage elbow, wrist and hand movement to maintain circulation. Medscape

  
  

  

• Begin sub-maximal isometric exercises for the rotator cuff and deltoid (e.g., gentle shoulder internal/external rotation isometrics at neutral) in safe ranges. PMC+1

• Gentle scapula setting: retraction/protraction with minimal load.

• Modalities (ice, electrotherapy) as needed to control pain/inflammation.

  
  

Phase 2: Early Strength & Control Phase (Weeks 2-6)

Goals: 

Restore range of motion (ROM), improve muscle strength, and initiate dynamic stability.

• Progress to active-assisted and active ROM within safe limits (avoid full ER/abduction >90° early). PMC+1

• Start closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises: weight bear through arm on wall or table (e.g., wall push-ups, weight shifts) to develop co-contraction and proprioception. PMC

  

• Begin isotonic strengthening: rotator cuff (internal/external rotation with theraband), scapular stabilisers (serratus anterior, lower/middle trapezius) at 0-30° elevation. PMC+1

• Continue posture and trunk/core stability work — ensure base is stable for shoulder function.

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Phase 3: Advanced Strength & Function Phase (Weeks 6-12)

Goals: 

Achieve near full ROM, build strength in functional positions, and challenge neuromuscular control.

• Progress to open chain exercises above 90°, eccentric strengthening for the rotator cuff and the deltoid. PMC

  

• Incorporate dynamic stability drills: single-arm plank variations, perturbations, unstable surfaces.

• Sport/occupation-specific drills: overhead reaching, throwing preparation, pushing/pulling tasks.

• Continue scapular control under load, progressive resistance, and endurance training.

  
  

Phase 4: Return to Sport / Activity Phase

Goals: 

Restore full functional strength, power, and agility and ensure safe return to high-demand tasks.

• Plyometric and agility work: medicine ball throws, overhead plyo, change-of-direction drills for overhead/athletic athletes.

  

• Simulated sport skill training under supervision: gradually reintroduce the movements that caused instability originally.

• Ongoing maintenance: rotator cuff, scapular stabilisers, trunk/hip chain strengthening — reduce risk of future dislocation.

  
  

Special Considerations at Physio360 Clinic

At Physio360 Clinic in Chennai:

• We assess the entire kinetic chain — shoulder, scapula, trunk, hip and lower limb — to identify contributing factors to instability.

  
  

• We customise the protocol based on imaging findings (e.g., labral involvement, bony lesions) and collaborate with the orthopaedic team when required.

  
  

• We emphasise neuromuscular control, proprioception and movement re-education, not just strength. Research supports this comprehensive view in shoulder instability rehab. PMC

  
  

• Regular monitoring and functional testing guide progression and safe return to sport/work.

  
  

Conclusion

Recurrent shoulder dislocation can be effectively managed with a structured, phase-based physiotherapy protocol focused on protecting the joint, rebuilding strength, regaining control and safely returning to activity. By addressing both static and dynamic stabilisers — including rotator cuff, scapular and core musculature — the risk of recurrence is reduced and functional outcomes improved.

At Physio360 Clinic, Chennai, our evidence-based approach and personalised rehabilitation plans help patients regain confidence, stability and performance in everyday life and sport.

References:

• Ma R, Brimmo OA, Li X. Current Concepts in Rehabilitation for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability. 2017. tigerortho.com

• Li X, et al. Rehabilitation for Shoulder Instability – Current Approaches. PMC. PMC

• Gaballah A, et al. Six-week physical rehabilitation protocol for anterior shoulder dislocation in athletes. PMC. PMC