But instead of sitting around feeling sorry for himself, Beattie has thrown himself into an analysis role with the Warriors, helping out whenever he can with video research on opposing teams.
It's a move which has not only kept him busy but also been of benefit to Sean Lineen and his fellow coaches as Glasgow look to build on last season's Magners League Play-Off appearance.
"I've got time on my hands to sit in the analysis room and pour over tapes," said Beattie, who featured in 15 Magners League games last term.
"It's something I've been trying to do, getting involved with the analysis side and helping the boys out as much as I can.
"I'm just trying to watch as much rugby as I can and preview the opposition, work out how to break them down and how to score points, which is pretty tough!
"Everyone in the coaching team takes different bits of a team's attack or defence and looks at how you can break them down and manipulate them. It's something different and something to keep the mind ticking over while the shoulder's a bit messy.
"We've got a full time analysist at Glasgow and I see how tough his job is and how much work he does sitting at his desk. It's something that I enjoy but it's not something I think I'd want to do full time."
Johnnie Beattie was one of Glasgow's standout players last term
As for the injury itself, Beattie has taken a typically optimistic view.
The affable 24-year-old sees no point moaning about his misfortune when looking back won't help him move forward.
And although he is still someway short of lifting weights or returning to training, Beattie believes his extended absence may do him good in the long run.
"The shoulder's still pretty gammy. It's still pretty sore, but it's getting there. It's improving day on day," added Beattie.
"It's quite tricky. I've lost pretty much a stone and a half. The top half of my body's just disintegrated. But that's all part of it.
"It's going to a be a long road to getting back fit and strong but I'm going to give it my best bash and get back as soon as possible.
"I'm definitely taking an optimistic view of it. If you're a rugby player and are going to do this until you're 34 or 35, you have to understand that a two or three-month rest for your body with the chance to repair yourself is needed every now and again.
"There's no point getting down about these things. Your body needs fixing and if you have to go with surgery, it's a last resort, but if you need to take time out to get it fixed then you have to do that.
"Looking at it that way, with a World Cup around the corner and the Six Nations and all these different things to aim for, there's still a massive amount to play and train for.
"I'm looking forward to getting back and playing as well as I can. I just want to get some game time and get back as soon as possible."
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