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Ellington was the Championship's top scorer with 24 goals despite the ongoing discomfort from his shoulder.
And the striker revealed the current problem dates back more than 12 months, making his haul in front of goal seem even more impressive.
He told the Evening Post: "I had shoulder surgery after we got promotion from the Second Division two years ago.
"I had stitches put in the shoulder joint but it seems I ripped those in a challenge against Crystal Palace towards the end of last season.
"This time I've had more stitches put in the tear and now I've got my arm in a sling for another three weeks.
"Hopefully I should be ready to train when the others report back, but I won't be able to have physical contact for a while.
"The operation has meant I've not gone to Barbados as I wouldn't have been able to join in many of the activities.
"It's better I rest at home and let the shoulder heal so that I can be back playing as soon as possible.
"The shoulder was a real problem for me this season and for a lot of the time I had to play with a harness on.
"I managed to play a few games without it which gave me more freedom but then had to start wearing it again."
Ellington's 24 goals tended to come in bursts as Latics battled their way to the Premiership for the first time.
In February and March he equalled a club record when he scored in six consecutive league games but couldn't get on the scoresheet at Brighton to make the record his own.
Towards the end of the campaign, he was dropped for two games to make way for Brett Ormerod but regained his place when his replacement returned to Southampton.
And he was on target in the final game against Reading.
It could be Ellington and Ormerod are tussling for places next season with the striker a potential summer shopping target of Paul Jewell.
The Latics boss was impressed with Ormerod during six weeks at the JJB.
Jewell said: "Brett is someone we are thinking about and having a look at.
"There are a lot of players to look at this summer, the list is endless, and it's important we get the right one."
Another player linked with the club is Aston Villa's teenage centre-half Gary Cahill who spent last season on loan with Burnley.