Dislocated shoulder (returning to basketball)

by James Finger
(Germany)

Hi, I am a professional basketball player overseas and I am having some trouble deciding on whether or not to come back from injury and play this season. 3 weeks ago I dislocated my shoulder for the second time in one year. The MRI says that nothing is torn or broke, just that I stretched the ligaments. One doctor is telling me that I need 3 months to really strengthen the muscles around my shoulder to make sure that it doesn't pop out again. The problem is 3 months is too long to wait and my team needs me to play within 2 weeks, so it would be 5 weeks of total rest. I am worried about re-injury and also the possibility of making my shoulder even worse for the future.

Right now, I have regained full motion of my shoulder. I have a little bit of pain, but I am doing rehab exercises and I feel like I could play. The main problem is that my shoulder is "loose."

Do you think that I can play, (maybe with a brace) and strengthen my shoulder during the season. Or would it be a bad idea to risk further injury and am I coming back too soon. I am only 23 and I hope to play basketball for awhile longer.

Thanks

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Dislocated shoulder (returning to basketball)

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Nov 09, 2009
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returning too soon?
by: Bart - SII

The fact that this is your second dislocation makes it more likely that you will dislocate again. The ligaments in the shoulder, as well as the labrum, are often affected significantly with a dislocation. Without surgical intervention, the risk for re-injury is high.

There are strengthening activities that can be done to help reduce this risk, and with a skilled therapist who has experience in this area, you can be successful.

I would lean towards your doctors recommendations for allowing at least 2-3 months of good shoulder strengthening before stressing the shoulder significantly. I have seen patients who return too quick and end up dislocating again.

Your shoulder feeling loose may be a good indicator of whether or not you are ready to play. It should feel stable, or at least strong.

I would discuss your options with your doctor and get their opinions on your best course of action.

Bart