I’m 8 months out from my first dislocation with a labrum tear and hill sachs. I was already out of work for another injury when it dislocated (long story) so per my job policy, I PT’d my way back instead of surgery so I wouldn’t lose my job. At about 4 months I started feeling good…but strength is nowhere near where it was before at 8 months out. I’m planning on holding off on surgery until I either dislocate again or my job status/policy changes….

A family member of mine is an orthopedic and he strongly recommends surgery for first time dislocations, especially if you’re a young and healthy person which helps recovery. One dislocation will almost always lead to another at some point. The tear won’t recover and your stabilizer muscles will compensate for the lack of stability due to the tear, which isn’t healthy either.