Shoulder surgery 5 years ago...will I be okay doing Martial Arts?

Question

5 years ago, in high school, I dislocated my shoulder a few times - first time I was playing badminton and then after that, it dislocated twice more throughout the rest of the school year. That summer I had surgery on it and did the physical therapy and everything afterwards for about two months. I think I was actually supposed to go for longer, but I slacked off and stopped going. I haven't had any problems with it since aside from occasional soft popping sounds when I move it around (sounds and feels like when you shift and your knee pops or neck cracks, etc.) I haven't had any pain or anything. 

I just started doing Tang Soo Do and even though so far it hasn't given me any reason to worry...I was wondering...should I be? Obviously, injury is possible with any martial art, but aside from the usual dangers, should I be extra worried? I really, really like Tang Soo Do and I want to continue, but the thought of possibly re-injuring my shoulder or dislocating the other one is horrifying. I've never experienced so much pain in my life.

I remember the surgeon telling me that I kind of just had "loose shoulders", and that if I didn't want to be constantly worried about my other shoulder dislocating, I should either get surgery on it or try and keep my arms super strong. 

What sort of exercises should I be doing to try and build the muscles around the shoulder area? Is it just arms I should be working on or should I work on strengthening my core or back or anything? Sorry for silly questions...I don't know much about what areas of the body support the shoulder/upper body areas...any advice in general? Do other people do martial arts with bad shoulders/knees/etc? Thanks in advance!

onyx62is · Accepted Answer

Really, you are the best person to answer this question.  I have had both knees dislocated, and both wrists broken in my past and I have practiced Goju and am now training in a style that has merged Tae Kwon Do and Aikido.  The best advice I can give you is to work within your limits.  If you try something and it starts to hurt a little, stop until you can build up the area.  Also, let your instructor know about your past injury so that he is aware and can make sure that no other student accidentally hits you there.

As far as exercises to build up the shoulders: pushups, lifting weights, etc will be good for building up strength.

chi bo · Answer

Just be duly cautious. Let your instructors know about the injuries and surgery, and if anything seems like a bad idea for the shoulder, it very well might be, so be smart.  Throws/takedowns and falls are the only areas that you will probably encounter anything that could really put the shoulder at extra risk. Just be smart and listen to your body, know your own limits...theyre not always the same as somebody else!! But DO enjoy!

jwbulldogs · Answer

You need to ask your doctor. Unfortunately we can't help you with this question. It could depend on the severity of your injury or how well you have healed from this injury.

I have had many different injuries. Some happened while participating in martial arts, most happened outside of martial arts. Most do not bother me today. However I am still bother by one injury that happened from a car accident 3 years ago. But I don't let that stop me from participating in martial arts. It does limit me in what can do. But I just adjust and do what I can.

Anonymous · Answer

I have had 14 dislocations and 2 surgery sim 26 now and been involved in boxing, tai chi and now TaeKwonDo. Yes it's ok for u to keep practicing but! Stretching and building up your injured shoulde is gona b a lifetime goal... B smart and stay away frm wat u knw is Gona out u at risk.
-EV-

CTC · Answer

Ask ur dr first and make sure u let ur instructor know about ur condition before u start. Its most likely nothing to worry about if u take it easy.

Anonymous · Answer

Just be as careful as you can. Ask your doctor if anything
Take it slow and if anything starts to hurt, quit while you can and get checked out rather than continue and put yourself in serious risk.

clown(s) around · Answer

As awesome and knowledgable as (some of) the users are here; were not doctors and they're the ones to ask. Go ask a doctor, you'll be much better off.

Good luck :D

Anonymous · Answer

Ask a doctor and your instructor. 

Good luck!

Kokoro · Answer

sorry i cant find your x-rays, they must be in my other computer

seriously you need to ask your doctor, and if he ok's it let the instructor know as well.

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Shoulder surgery 5 years ago...will I be okay doing Martial Arts?

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