What is the possibilty of a 2nd shoulder dislocation?

I dislocated my shoulder while playing hockey. While laying down on a stretcher, it popped back in. I am willing to do anything the doc/therapist says because I want to make sure it doesn't happen again. I will also start playing non-checking hockey. I am wondering, what is the possibility of a second dislocation? I am 20 1/2 by the way.

I did a report on this last year. The following is a summary of pertinent research findings:

Hovelius et al.
For patients aged 12-22 who were treated with a sling: 47% had re-dislocated by 2 years later. By 5 year follow-up 55% had had at least 2 dislocations since the initial one and 28% had undergone surgery for instability. 34% had had surgery by 10 year follow-up. Recurrence not affected by sex, type of trauma, or activity level.

Kirkley et al.
40 skeletally mature patients under age 30 with first time shoulder dislocations were treated either with a sling or surgery. After 32 months 47% of the non-surgical patients had had recurrences compared to 15.9% of the surgical ones. Numbers were the same after 79 months.

Other studies showed similar results. Essentially, research shows a high incidence of recurrence. This in one case where young age actually works against you.

could be a possibilty....
i had a friend who dislocated the same knee about 5 times in under 8ish years. then she dislocated the other knee...unlucky girl.
that was probably more to do with her own body though. i know others who dislocated body parts and been fine after. most people are fine i would say, but theres no harm in asking ur doc this ques to be sure!

The possibility of a 2nd dislocation is high due to the 1st dislocation "stretching" out the ligaments. You should strengthen the shoulder muscles to lessen the chance of a 2nd or 3rd (if a 3rd happens the doc will suggest surgery to tighten the ligaments).