Shoulder dislocation Perth
Shoulder dislocation: What to do, treatment options, and surgery explained
“The first time your shoulder pops out, it might seem like just bad luck but for many people, it’s the start of a pattern. My job is to help you understand why it happened, stop it from happening again, and get your shoulder strong and stable.”
Consulting at
Murdoch
[All surgeons]
Wexford Medical Centre
Suite 13
3 Barry Marshall Pde
Murdoch WA 6150
Nedlands
[Dr O’Beirne & Dr Hardisty]
Hollywood Medical Centre
Suite 37
85 Monash Avenue
Nedlands WA 6008
Joondalup
[Dr Ghoshal]
Joondalup Health Campus
Suite 17, Specialist Medical Centre (East), 60 Shenton Avenue
Joondalup WA 6027
Shoulder dislocations are something we see often at Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth, especially in younger, active people. Sometimes, they settle with rehab alone; other times, shoulder surgery is the better path to stop it from happening again.
Shoulder dislocation Perth
What is shoulder dislocation?
Your shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body. It lets you lift, twist, and reach in all directions. But that big range of motion comes at a cost; it’s also easier to injure.
At the top of your arm is a round ball that sits in a shallow socket. Because that socket isn’t very deep, your shoulder relies a lot on muscles, tendons, and cartilage to keep everything in place. If those get stretched or torn, the ball can slip out.
When the ball completely pops out of the socket, that’s called a shoulder dislocation. You’ll be in pain when it happens, and you might not be able to move your arm properly. Often, the shoulder will also look a bit out of shape or feel like it’s hanging oddly.
FAQ: Anterior vs posterior vs multidirectional shoulder dislocation
In many shoulder dislocation cases, the ball comes out the front. This is called anterior dislocation. It often happens during contact sport, a fall, or a sudden movement that forces the arm backwards. Less commonly, the ball may come out the back. This is known as a posterior dislocation and can occur during seizures.
Some people have naturally loose joints. In these cases, the shoulder may dislocate in more than one direction. This is called multidirectional instability.
What to do immediately after a shoulder dislocation
The first step is to get the ball back into the socket. Doing it early helps reduce pain, swelling, and pressure on nearby nerves.
Although some people try to do it themselves, it is safest to have a medical professional assess and manage the shoulder. Incorrect relocation can cause further damage.
Even after the shoulder is back in place, it is important to assess the joint properly. There may be internal damage that is not obvious at first.
What shoulder damage occurs during a dislocation?
When the shoulder pops out of its socket, several important structures inside the joint can be affected. These include:
- Cartilage – the labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the edge of the socket. It often tears during a dislocation, which can lead to feelings of looseness or repeated instability.
- Bone – part of the socket or the ball of the shoulder may become chipped, dented, or fractured. Bone loss makes it harder for the joint to stay in place and can affect the choice of treatment.
- Tendons and muscles – the rotator cuff and nearby muscles help keep the shoulder stable. These can be strained or torn when the joint dislocates, which may cause weakness or pain.
- Nerves – nerves near the shoulder, especially the axillary nerve, can be stretched or irritated. This can lead to numbness on the outer arm or weakness in the shoulder muscles.
Some injuries may not be visible on a standard X-ray alone, so we often recommend an MRI scan. This helps us see what was affected and plan the best course of treatment, whether that involves rehabilitation, careful monitoring, or surgery.
Shoulder dislocation Perth injuries
How bad is shoulder dislocation and who is most at risk?
The type of injury you experience during a dislocation usually depends on your age and the way the shoulder came out of place. Some structures are more at risk in certain age groups.
Here is a general guide:
- Teenagers and young adults
The labrum often tears. This is the ring of cartilage that lines the socket and helps stabilise the joint. A torn labrum is called a Bankart lesion, and it can cause long-term instability if not treated.
- People aged 30 to 45
This group is more likely to suffer a small fracture of the greater tuberosity, which is part of the upper arm bone where the rotator cuff tendons attach. This can weaken shoulder strength and cause ongoing pain if untreated.
- Adults over 50
The rotator cuff is more likely to tear. This group of tendons plays a key role in lifting and rotating your arm. A tear here can make the shoulder weak, painful, or difficult to move properly.
Because not all damage shows up on regular X-rays, we often suggest an MRI scan. This gives a much clearer picture of the joint and helps guide the right treatment approach.
Shoulder dislocation Perth surgery
Shoulder dislocation surgery
For some people, a dislocated shoulder is a one-time event. But in others, the joint becomes unstable and starts slipping out again during sport, work, or even sleep. When this happens, shoulder surgery may be the best way to protect the joint and restore confidence in your movement.
The goal of shoulder stabilisation surgery is to repair the internal damage caused by the dislocation. Surgery may also reduce the risk of future shoulder dislocations, so you can get back to your daily routine or return to sport safely.
Can a shoulder dislocation be treated without surgery?
Yes, in some situations it can. When the damage inside the shoulder is smaller, or when symptoms are mild, we often start with non‑surgical treatment.
This usually includes a combination of the following:
- Activity changes: Avoiding movements that trigger pain or make the shoulder feel unstable, especially overhead or forceful actions.
- Physiotherapy: Working with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. Strong muscles help support the joint and improve control.
- Pain relief: Anti‑inflammatory medication or a cortisone injection may be used to reduce pain and inflammation while the shoulder settles and rehab begins.
Many people find that these treatments are enough to return to daily activities without ongoing instability. We review progress over time and adjust the plan based on how your shoulder responds.
When is shoulder dislocation surgery recommended?
Surgery is usually considered when the shoulder dislocates more than once, or when the first injury has caused major damage inside the joint.
These injuries don’t always heal on their own, and without treatment, they can lead to more dislocations and long-term joint instability.
Shoulder dislocation surgery may be recommended if:
- You’ve had more than one dislocation
- You play contact or overhead sports
- Your shoulder feels unstable during sleep or normal activity
- Imaging shows clear damage to the labrum, bone, or joint capsule
- Rehab has not improved your stability
Surgery may reduce the risk of further dislocations and can support a return to sport, work or daily activities, depending on individual response and rehabilitation.
What is shoulder dislocation surgery recovery like?
Recovery after shoulder stabilisation surgery is gradual, and it happens in stages. Your care plan will guide you through each stage of recovery, from initial healing through to a gradual return to activity.
Here’s what to expect:
- Weeks 1–6:
You’ll wear a sling to support the shoulder and protect the repair. During this time, you may begin gentle passive exercises with your physiotherapist to maintain movement in a safe range. - Weeks 6–12:
Once the repair has started to heal, you’ll begin active movement and control exercises. Your physiotherapist will guide you to restore flexibility without placing stress on the healing tissue. - Months 3–6:
Focus shifts to rebuilding strength and control, especially in the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles. You may begin returning to light activities and basic fitness work. - After 6 months:
Many people begin returning to non-contact sports and everyday tasks over time. Return to throwing or contact sports may take 9-12 months, depending on individual recovery.
Staying on track with rehab is key. The way you recover depends not just on the surgery itself, but on how you follow your physiotherapy and how your body responds to healing.
We guide many patients through recovery each year and work closely with local physiotherapists to make sure you get the support you need.
FAQ: Can I prevent future shoulder dislocations?
Yes, in many cases you can. While some people are more prone to instability because of joint structure or previous injury, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of dislocating again.
We usually focus on three main areas:
- Strengthening the shoulder muscles
The rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles help stabilise the joint during movement. A well-structured physiotherapy program builds strength and control where it matters most. - Improving joint control and body awareness
Physios call this proprioception. It’s about training your body to react quickly and protect the joint when it’s at risk of slipping. This is especially useful in sport and active work. - Avoiding high-risk movements during early recovery
Until the shoulder is strong and stable again, it’s best to avoid overhead lifting, forceful pushing, or contact sports. These can stretch the healing structures and make it easier for the joint to come out again.
If you’ve had shoulder dislocation surgery, rehab will include these steps as part of your recovery. If you’ve chosen non-surgical care, the same principles still apply. The right rehab plan makes all the difference in preventing further injury.
FAQ: How to prepare for shoulder dislocation surgery?
If shoulder surgery has been recommended, there are a few simple things you can do to help your recovery go smoothly. Preparing well can reduce complications and support your rehab from the very beginning.
Here’s how to get ready:
- Stay gently active
Unless we advise you otherwise, we encourage you to keep your shoulder moving within a safe range. This helps maintain muscle strength and reduces stiffness before surgery. - Avoid risky activities
Please avoid anything that could lead to another dislocation. That includes contact sport, overhead lifting, and heavy pushing or pulling. Another injury could make surgery more complex. - Follow your instructions
You’ll receive a personalised plan before surgery. This may include exercises, medication, or fasting instructions. Following this guidance helps keep things safe on the day of your procedure. - Plan your recovery support
After shoulder dislocation surgery, you may need help with daily tasks for the first week or two. It’s a good idea to arrange some support from a friend or family member.
Dr Alex O’Beirne | Shoulder Surgeon Perth
Western Orthopaedic Clinic for shoulder dislocations
A shoulder that has come out, even just once, can become unstable over time. Without proper treatment, it may keep slipping out, sometimes during sleep or normal daily movement.
Getting early advice can make a real difference. An MRI helps us understand what is happening inside the joint. Once we have that information, we can guide you towards the right next step. That might include rehabilitation, close monitoring, or shoulder surgery if needed.
If your shoulder pain is not improving, please don’t wait for it to get worse. The sooner we assess the problem, the better your chances of avoiding long-term issues.
