Anterior shoulder dislocations are among the most common traumatic joint injuries in athletes and active individuals—but few clinicians feel fully confident managing the full spectrum of pathologies and presentations that come with them. This course provides a comprehensive clinical framework for evaluating, treating, and making informed referral decisions around anterior dislocations.

Drawing from both research and lived clinical experience—including the presenter’s own shoulder dislocation and successful conservative rehab—this session breaks down the pathophysiology, common complications (like Hill-Sachs and Bankart lesions), and the criteria used to determine conservative vs surgical pathways. You’ll learn the clinical signs that predict prognosis, understand when to escalate care, and get detailed strategies for progressing rehab across all phases.

With a focus on return-to-sport and functional strength, this course outlines effective protocols for athletes, high-demand patients, and complex instability cases. Special attention is paid to managing associated nerve injuries and long-term instability.

What You'll Learn:

  • Incidence, prevalence, and anatomical rationale for anterior dislocations

  • Differentiating dislocation vs. subluxation

  • Predictors of conservative vs surgical outcomes

  • Rehab strategies based on instability, mechanical symptoms, or nerve involvement

  • Treatment guidelines for Bankart lesions, Hill-Sachs, and axillary nerve traction

  • Return-to-play decision making and functional progression

Course curriculum

    1. How to use this course

    2. Before we begin...

    3. Welcome!

    1. Lesson 1 - Introduction

    2. Lesson 2 - Definitions & Prevalence

    3. Lesson 3 - Pathophysiology

    4. Lesson 4 - Prognostics

    5. Lesson 5 - Clinical Decision Making

    6. Lesson 6 - Treatment Options

    7. Lesson 7 - Outcomes & Complications

    1. Course Evaluation Form

    2. Thank You!

About this course

  • Free
  • 12 lessons
  • 0.5 hours of video content

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