A dislocated shoulder occurs when the head of the upper arm bone, the humerus, is forced out of the glenoid socket, which is the shallow dish on the shoulder blade. Because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, it is also the joint most prone to dislocating. This injury stretches or tears the surrounding ligaments, tendons, and muscles, immediately causing severe pain and an inability to move the arm. Recovery from this injury is a multi-phase process that is highly variable, generally spanning several months before the shoulder is fully functional again.
Initial Healing Timeline and Immobilization Phase
The very first step in healing is the immediate immobilization of the joint, which begins after a medical professional has relocated the humerus back into the socket. This acute phase allows the damaged soft tissues, particularly the joint capsule and ligaments, to start their initial repair process. A sling or brace is typically worn for a period ranging from one to three weeks, though protocols may extend this to six weeks, depending on the injury’s severity.
During this period, movement is severely restricted to protect the joint and prevent further damage. While pain and swelling decrease significantly during these first few weeks, this reduction of symptoms should not be mistaken for complete healing. The immobilization phase is only the initial stage; full recovery requires a structured approach to restore stability and strength.
Key Factors Affecting Total Recovery Duration
The time needed to regain full function ranges from three months to over six months, driven by factors related to the injury and the patient. Age is a significant variable; individuals under 30, especially athletes in contact sports, face a higher risk of recurrence, leading to longer rehabilitation protocols. Older patients may experience slower tissue healing but generally have a lower risk of repeat dislocation.
The severity of the injury and associated damage also influence the timeline. A first-time dislocation without significant tears to the labrum (cartilage rim) or rotator cuff tendons will heal faster than a complex injury. If the dislocation resulted in a labral tear, bone fracture, or rotator cuff damage, the recovery period is substantially prolonged.
The chosen treatment method also affects duration. Non-surgical management typically results in a faster return to activity. However, if the injury involves significant soft tissue damage or is recurring, surgical repair may be necessary to stabilize the joint. Recovery after surgery is longer, often requiring four to six months before returning to sport or heavy physical activity.
Rehabilitation: Regaining Strength and Stability
Following immobilization, physical therapy is the longest component of recovery. The objective is to progressively restore the shoulder’s range of motion and build the dynamic stability needed to keep the humerus centered in the socket. This process is structured in distinct phases to prevent tissues from being overloaded too early.
The first phase, early motion, typically begins around the third to sixth week and involves gentle, passive, and active-assisted exercises. Exercises like pendulum swings prevent joint stiffness while respecting healing tissues. The focus during this stage is on regaining basic mobility without causing pain or compromising the repair.
As mobility improves, the program transitions into the strength-building phase, often starting between six and twelve weeks. This involves targeted resistance training for the rotator cuff and the scapular stabilizer muscles. Strengthening these muscles is necessary because they compensate for stretched or damaged static stabilizers, such as the ligaments and capsule.
The final part of rehabilitation is the functional return phase, which may begin around three months after the injury, depending on individual progress. This stage incorporates high-level, sport-specific, or work-related movements, gradually increasing load and speed to prepare the shoulder for full activity. Full return to high-risk activities should only occur when the shoulder is pain-free, has near-full range of motion, and has achieved symmetrical strength compared to the uninjured side.
Preventing Future Dislocation
Once initial recovery is complete, the focus shifts to long-term stability maintenance to minimize the risk of recurrence. Continued adherence to a home exercise program is important, even after formal physical therapy ends. These exercises keep the rotator cuff and scapular muscles conditioned, maintaining dynamic stability.
Individuals should remain aware of high-risk movements, such as reaching the arm back and out, which places strain on the joint capsule. For those involved in sports, a gradual and monitored return is recommended, often using protective bracing. Recognizing any lingering sensation of looseness or instability is important, as this may signal inadequate soft tissue healing or a need to adjust activity levels.