The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body. It allows you to place and rotate your arm in multiple positions in front of, across, to the side, and behind your body. This flexibility makes your shoulder more prone to instability and injury. Depending on the nature of the problem, non-surgical methods of treatment are prescribed before the operation. In some cases, however, delaying shoulder surgery can increase the risk that the problem will be more difficult to treat later. Early, proper diagnosis and treatment of shoulder problems can make a significant difference in the long run.