The decision of when to clear a patient to return to sports (RTS) can be a difficult task for orthopaedic surgeons. This chapter seeks to illuminate key domains and considerations for clearing a patient to return to sports for both anterior and posterior instability. In addition to considerations of pain, range of motion, and strength, this chapter discusses standard versus accelerated rehabilitation. Recent literature has shown similar outcomes when comparing standard and accelerated rehabilitation programs. Intertwined with physical rehabilitation, criteria-based return to sports testing has been shown in recent literature to reduce recurrent anterior shoulder instability, while its role is still being evaluated in posterior instability. Lastly, psychological readiness is a key element to consider when clearing a patient to RTS, with the Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury (SIRSI) questionnaire as a possible valuable tool for assessing psychological readiness. Overall, a balance of factors must be considered when deciding on the timing of RTS including the individual athlete, sport, and overall pathology.