Return to Play After Shoulder Stabilization –What If This Isn't Going Well?

Abstract

Traumatic shoulder instability is prevalent among athletes, often leading to surgical intervention and challenging rehabilitation outcomes. This chapter explores the complexities surrounding return to play (RTP) following shoulder stabilization procedures, highlighting the significant variance in RTP rates and the common lag in returning to pre-injury performance levels, particularly in throwing athletes. Factors influencing successful outcomes include the nature of the instability, surgical approach, and individual athlete characteristics. A consensus on RTP criteria remains elusive, with a predominant reliance on time-based recovery, yet evidence suggests that other physical and psychological variables must be considered. Emphasizing a shared decision-making process and ongoing assessment of range of motion, strength, and proprioception, this chapter aims to identify key deficits and interventions that can enhance rehabilitation success for athletes struggling to return to play. Effective communication among the sports medicine team and the athlete is essential to optimize adherence to rehabilitation protocols and improve overall outcomes.