Rehabilitation of the shoulder and return to play in Rugby

Shoulder rehabilitation in rugby is explained through injury data, tackle mechanics, and research on return to play after contact injuries. The focus is the “rugby shoulder” as a distinct clinical problem, especially in tackling, where high collision forces, repeated impacts, and specific arm positions contribute to AC joint injuries, instability, labral damage, dislocation, and rotator cuff problems. Learners can expect an overview of which tackle types and shoulder positions increase risk, including the ABER position and direct impact mechanisms. The teaching then moves into assessment and rehabilitation. It covers muscle activation patterns around the shoulder, how fatigue and repeated tackling may alter strength balance and proprioception, and why recurrence rates remain high. Practical assessment methods include scapular and rotator cuff testing, endurance tests, grip strength, joint position sense, and functional upper-limb drills. Rehabilitation is presented as progressive and sport-specific, combining scapular control, cuff function, proprioceptive work, kinetic chain training, trunk and hip contribution, and tackle preparation. Return to play is framed as more than restoring general shoulder strength: the goal is developing a shoulder that can tolerate rugby-specific collision demands safely and reliably.