dislocated shoulder...

mcsailor0303 · Since 18 Mar 2009 184 Posts The Dalles Stoked

So I was snowboarding at meadows sunday night, took a nasty spill and popped my shoulder out (front dislocation). The wonderful people at the mountain clinic snapped some x-rays, and popped it back into place (hell yes it hurt).

I have a follow up appointment later this week, but was wondering if any kiters have had a similar injury? How long till I can get back on the water? Will this affect my riding in the up coming season? Any tips or advice for a quick effective recovery?

Ride hard, ride safe.

s

Bettyboarder · Tue Mar 16, 10 10:10 am

Both Phil and I had that happen snowboarding. If I remember right I was in a sling for 6 weeks and in PT for a few months. I would say you will probably be able to ride late in the season but I am not a doc.

A piece of advice do your PT. I did my pt and haven't had any problems for the past 10 year. Other people I know didn't do theres as well and ended up having surgery to fix it.

Pt sucks and hurts like a mother f'r but it will pay off in the end

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Totally agree with Nicole on the PT. My friend, Mel, dislocated her shoulder at Meadows a couple years back. Had them reset it, didn't do her exercises/PT as was recommended, and now has a limited range of movement in that arm. Sad

Link

Sella · Tue Mar 16, 10 10:29 am

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

heal up!

poor Mel - but happily immortalized

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 384 Posts PDX Obsessed

I dislocated my shoulder snowboarding over 10 years ago. It took a couple of years before I really felt 100%. Mine was pretty sevier though; my arm was paralyzed from the elbow down for several months. Because I was more concerned about the lack of function in my hand, I didn't move my shoulder much at all for a long time. It was almost "frozen" by the time I started PT. The lack of movement ultimately helped a ton; my tendons really tightened back up around the shoulder ball.

I agree with BettyB: do your PT and try to pack as much muscle around the joint as you can once you are back in shape. Definitely don't push it until you are really healed. You will regret it down the road.

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Mar 16, 10 12:29 pm

That sucks Sad

Probably kiss this season goodbye. I spent the 07' season on crutches and laying on the couch completely out of my mind on pain meds

alankitesurf2 · Since 21 Jun 2006 81 Posts

Also depends how old you are... older folks (35+) have more mature cartildge that doesn't stretch out as much leading to a more stable joint post-reduction in most cases. Repeat dislocations in the under 25 year age group are much more common. I've dislocated both shoulders (one surfing and one snowboarding) with no loss of range of motion and no repeat dislocation(yet)-I'm also older.Had not seen much data showing PT increased long range stability and even the surgeons that helped me were not in agreement regarding whether immediate post reduction splinting was very helpful. They did seem to agree that good results were seen with surgical repair of repeat dislocation,especially in younger individuals.

Deapblu · Since 23 Jun 2008 27 Posts Portland

That really sucks. Hope you are starting to feel better.

I dislocated mine last April skiing and after 8 weeks of PT ended up having to have surgery anyway. Turned out I had some bad tears in the the cup that holds the joint in place in couple locations. It took me out for all of last year. Talk to your doc and follow their instructions. Trough PT I was able to get almost full range of motion back.

Good luck.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

I dislocated my left shoulder at age 20 sliding head first into second base for the glory of the game. Very stupid considering I am not Pete Rose and not paid to play the game. For about 10 years after that I had periodic dislocations from a variety of causes, but eventually it stopped happening and I will be turning 50 this year with no dislocations for several decades.

It takes a long time for the cartiledge to fully heal around the injury, and it is highlly recommended to build the muscle mass around the shoulder to protect against more pop-outs.
For me at least the first one was the worst with most pain and longest recovery. Later dislocations were less painful and easier to pop back in to place. I did several pop-ins myself not quite as dramatic as Mel Gibson in "Lethal Weapon".

One reason that I attribute to putting the injury behind me is lots of surfing, weight lifting, and other shoulder building exercises. Big deltoids around the shoulder help to stabilize and protect the injured area. Get some dumbells and get buff!!!

Idea

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Same thing happened to me, bad snowboarding crash and shoulder got dislocated...

I thought PT sounded lame so I blew it off... then my shoulder kept dislocating probably 50-60 times over 6 years... finally had surgery. Its better than it was when it kept dislocating, but it will never be good as new.

Lesson: do your PT!

Depending on how bad it is, you don't necessarily have to give up on kiting these season but definitely do the PT and follow their advice.

The thing you absolutely don't want to have happen is a repeat dislocation, because each time it happens means its stretched more and more and its going to make it that much worse till eventually surgery is your only option.

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

Like everyone has said hit PT hard and then learn how to fall to protect your shoulder.

Whether on snow or water, instinctually whenever I fall I immediatly put my hand accross my belly button to keep the shoulder in a safe position.

mcsailor0303 · Since 18 Mar 2009 184 Posts The Dalles Stoked

Thanks all for the positive words of encouragement, and advice, and great stories. Hope to see you all on the water mid-may...until then if you need a launch I'll put you up!

s

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Mar 17, 10 6:20 pm

Tuck and roll baby!!

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1867 Posts XTreme Poster

And, as someone who has two bad shoulders, you can spend some time riding a bigger surfboard strapless. Super fun, yet very, very easy on the shoulders.

FunShui · Since 16 Jul 2006 146 Posts Really, really Stoked

Shoulder rehab exercises are crucial and doing prolotherapy may prevent surgery.

http://www.sportsprolo.com/shoulderdislocationprolotherapyoakpark.htm