Medically reviewed by: Mark A. Yaffe, MD, certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, subspecialty certified in hand surgery. Last reviewed: October 5, 2026
SHOULDER DISLOCATION & INSTABILITY TREATMENT near you
Shoulder Dislocation & Instability Treatment in Schaumburg, Buffalo Grove & Elk Grove Village
Dr. Mark Yaffe(opens in a new tab) is an orthopedic specialist who treats upper extremity conditions, including traumatic and spontaneous shoulder dislocations and instability after repeated dislocations. A shoulder that has slipped out of place, or one that feels loose and unreliable, can make reaching, lifting and sports feel uncertain. Dr. Yaffe’s goal is to understand why your shoulder is slipping and to help you restore a stable, comfortable shoulder.
Whether this is your first dislocation or the shoulder has slipped more than once, Dr. Yaffe offers a thorough evaluation to identify the type of instability and any related injury. As part of his broader shoulder care(opens in a new tab), he discusses non-surgical care, including bracing and rehabilitation, and offers surgery for recurrent shoulder dislocation and instability when it is the right next step.
Dr. Yaffe takes the time to listen to your concerns and explains your options so you can decide what fits your goals. If you are ready to find answers with one of the orthopedic doctors serving Schaumburg(opens in a new tab), Buffalo Grove(opens in a new tab), and Elk Grove Village(opens in a new tab), request your first appointment with Dr. Yaffe today.
A Shoulder That Slips, Catches or Feels Loose
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Dislocation and Instability
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which is part of why the ball of the upper arm bone can slip out of the socket. A dislocation can happen from a fall or collision, and some shoulders slip without a major injury. Common signs include:
- Sudden pain after an injury: Severe shoulder pain, often with an inability to move the arm, after a fall, a sports collision or another significant injury.
- A visibly changed shoulder shape or numbness and tingling in the arm or hand are reasons to seek urgent medical care.
- A loose or slipping feeling: A sense that the shoulder is partly slipping out of the socket (subluxation) or is about to give way.
- Catching, clicking or apprehension: Discomfort or worry when the arm is moved into certain positions, such as overhead or out to the side.
- Weakness and pain with activity: A shoulder that feels weak or sore with lifting, throwing or reaching.
- Repeated episodes: A shoulder that slips or dislocates again after the first injury.
- A dislocation can occur along with injury to nearby structures, so repeated episodes are worth evaluating.
BRACING, REHABILITATION & SURGERY FOR RECURRENT DISLOCATION
Shoulder Dislocation and Instability Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on the type of instability, how often the shoulder has slipped, your activity level and whether other structures are injured. Dr. Yaffe’s options include:
- Evaluation and imaging: A history, physical exam and imaging help confirm the type of injury and check for fractures or related damage to the joint.
- Non-surgical care: A period of protection, bracing and guided rehabilitation to restore motion and strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder. Timelines and results vary from person to person.
- Sports Injuries(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe treats joint instability, dislocation and subluxation, including bracing and rehabilitation planning, and helps athletes and active adults plan their return to activity.
- Surgery for recurrent dislocation and instability: When the shoulder keeps slipping, surgery to stabilize it may be discussed, and fracture surgery may be needed when a break accompanies the dislocation. Dr. Yaffe will explain the recommended approach and how to prepare, which you can also read about in our guide to preparing for surgery or a procedure(opens in a new tab).
Not every dislocation requires surgery, and there is no single right time to consider it. Dr. Yaffe will walk through your options with you. This page is for education and does not replace an examination, so an in-person evaluation is the way to confirm your diagnosis and the best plan for you. If you think your shoulder has just dislocated, seek prompt medical attention.
About your surgeon. Dr. Mark A. Yaffe is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his M.D. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic residency at Northwestern, and trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026 and a Chicago Magazine Top Doctor in 2025. Read Dr. Yaffe's full bio.(opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a shoulder dislocation and shoulder instability?
A dislocation is when the ball of the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket. Instability is a broader term for a shoulder that slips, either partly (subluxation) or fully, or that feels loose or unreliable. Some people have a single dislocation, while others have repeated episodes. Dr. Yaffe evaluates each patient to understand which applies.
What should I do if I think my shoulder is dislocated?
Seek prompt medical attention. Support the arm in a comfortable position and avoid trying to force the shoulder back into place yourself, since that can cause more injury. Severe pain, a visibly changed shoulder shape, or numbness or tingling in the arm or hand are reasons to go to an urgent care center or emergency department.
Can a dislocated shoulder happen again?
It can. Some shoulders slip or dislocate again after the first injury, and the likelihood varies with age, activity and the nature of the original injury. If your shoulder has slipped more than once, an evaluation can help determine whether instability is developing.
How are shoulder dislocation and instability diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with your history and a hands-on exam, including checking motion, strength and how the shoulder feels in different positions. X-rays can show the position of the joint and any fracture, and additional imaging may be used to look at the soft tissues around the joint. This helps Dr. Yaffe recommend the right treatment.
Does every shoulder dislocation need surgery?
No. Many people are first treated with protection, bracing and rehabilitation. Surgery to stabilize the shoulder may be discussed when dislocations keep happening or when other injuries are present. Dr. Yaffe will review the options with you based on your exam.
What does rehabilitation involve after a dislocation?
Rehabilitation generally focuses on restoring motion and strengthening the muscles around the shoulder, and bracing may be part of the plan. Rehabilitation planning is part of Dr. Yaffe’s care for sports injuries(opens in a new tab). The pace and length of recovery vary from patient to patient.
What can I expect during my recovery from shoulder stabilization surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure performed. Dr. Yaffe will give you specific instructions for protecting the shoulder, when to begin moving it, and when to return to your usual activities. Many patients work with physical therapists to regain motion and strength. Recovery timelines vary from patient to patient.
How can I get started with the best shoulder specialist near me?
At Dr. Yaffe’s practice, we want it to be as easy as possible to get started on your road to relief. Just use our simple online appointment request(opens in a new tab) tool, and it helps to note when the shoulder slipped and which positions bring on the feeling of instability.
Get Your Unstable Shoulder Evaluated by an Orthopedic Specialist
Expert Orthopedic Care from Mark A. Yaffe, M.D.