Shoulder dislocations can be tricky injuries, and deciding on the best course of treatment, whether it be an elite or local athlete, requires careful consideration.
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, thanks to the glenohumeral joint, a ball-and-socket structure with a shallow socket.
This design allows for excellent range of motion but comes at the cost of stability.
As a result, the shoulder is particularly prone to dislocation—especially during contact sports.
After a first-time dislocation, the prognosis is often mixed.
The good news is that most people recover quickly, with pain and stiffness typically settling within weeks.
The downside is a high risk of recurrence, especially in younger individuals, males, contact sport athletes, or those who’ve suffered additional damage like cartilage or bone injuries.
So, what are the options?
Non-surgical rehab offers a quicker return to sport but comes with a greater chance of repeated dislocations, which can undermine performance and confidence.
Surgical repair significantly lowers that risk of further dislocations (by as much as 95%) but involves the risk of surgical complications, and several months of recovery time away from sport and work.
In Waterman’s case, the Eagles opted for surgery, ruling him out for the season.
I suspect their position on the ladder as well as potentially significant damage to his joint from the incident were big factors in this decision.
For Eagles fans, there’s reason for optimism.
With proper rehabilitation, Waterman should return fit and strong for the 2026 season.
Pat Arnold is a director and sports physiotherapist at Echuca Moama Physiotherapy. Appointments with Pat and his colleagues can be made by phoning 5480 0860 or book online at echucamoamaphysio.com.au
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