Ask a PT Response: "With any patient you would have to treat her or him on an individual basis. In regards to your question, return to sports would be determined on the extent of the surgery and the mechanism of injury. For example, a larger tear compared to a smaller tear would most likely require a longer period of recovery and rehab prior to return to sport. An individual who sustained an injury as a result of a one time traumatic experience compared to an individual who has a history of frequent dislocations would probably require less time for recovery. For the patient that has had frequent dislocations, the surgeon would most likely want additional time for healing and scarring to occur prior to beginning therapy. In general, for most patients, it usually takes at least 6 months after the surgery along with rehab prior to return to sports. Some sample protocols for various surgeons for a Bankart repair can be found at: http://www.cyberpt.com/cyberptprotocols.asp. Thanks for using CyberPT."