How long am I not allowed to do sports?

Athletes in particular are exposed to a high risk of injury. Since chronic instability of the shoulder joint can occur even after a single dislocation of the shoulder, contact sports should be avoided for at least three months. In the first six weeks, no weights over two to three kilograms should be lifted, external rotation and retroversion (such as throwing handball over the shoulder) should be avoided.

Exercises that do not affect the rotator cuff, such as leg training, can be performed earlier if necessary and with caution. In doing so, the doctor’s recommendations should be followed. Professional sportsmen and women are advised to have surgery early on, since shoulder dislocation can usually occur again and again.

Complications

The following complications are possible as a result of dislocation of the shoulder: Tendon rupture or rotator cuff rupture: These injuries should also be treated surgically, as otherwise the mobility of the shoulder is restricted and the joint can consequently stiffen. Hill-Sachs lesion: In particular, anterior dislocation can result in bony injuries to the joint head, which can lead to restricted movement and premature joint arthrosis. Injury to the axillary nerve: in this case, neurosurgical treatment of the nerve should be performed to prevent loss of function of the shoulder lifter muscle.

Stiffening and restricted movement: there is a risk of joint stiffening, especially if immobilised for too long. This is especially true for older patients.

Bankart lesion: In this case the edge of the socket (labrum glenoidale) is injured in the context of dislocation.
The Bankart lesion is the most common cause of repeated dislocations after a traumatic initial event and must therefore be surgically corrected.
Tendon rupture or rotator cuff rupture: These injuries should also be treated surgically, as otherwise the mobility of the shoulder is restricted and the joint can consequently stiffen.
Hill-Sachs lesion: In particular, anterior dislocation can result in bony injuries to the joint head, which can lead to restricted movement and premature joint arthrosis.
Injury to the axillary nerve: here, neurosurgical treatment of the nerve should be performed to prevent loss of function of the shoulder lifter muscle.
Stiffening and restricted movement: There is a risk of joint stiffening, especially if the patient is immobilised for too long. This is especially true for older patients.
Joint arthrosis in the shoulder joint (omarthrosis)

When the shoulder is dislocated, ligaments, tendons, capsule or nerve tissue can also be injured in particularly severe forms. Damage to the nerve bundle or vessels in the armpit can lead to circulatory problems, pain and sensations such as numbness in the entire arm and hand. If the shoulder is not repositioned promptly, permanent damage can result. A dislocated shoulder should definitely be examined and treated by a doctor, especially with the symptoms mentioned above, in order to avoid permanent limitation.