kite shoulder question

green turtle kiter · Since 11 Jul 2009 48 Posts

There are many factors that determine appropriate rct treatment. Many of the opinions expressed here are all true I am sure, but they may not apply to you.

The shape of your acromion (it may rub against your tendons causing more damage), the size of the tear, whether the tendon is retracted, whether you have instability, and many other variables go into one's treatment plan.

Conservative treatment is not necessarily synonymous with nonsurgical treatment. Seek out a good orthopedic surgeon who you trust (or trusted by those you trust) and get appropriate care.

Good luck.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

<<Seek out a good orthopedic surgeon who you trust (or trusted by those you trust) and get appropriate care. >>

Sage advice

goiner · Since 26 Aug 2006 90 Posts

A partial RC tear means the thickness of the tendon is compromised.
So a 30% tear means 1/3 the thickness. IF, they mean that 30% of the tendon is torn completely through, then you have a different issue.
It all depends on the quality of the imaging study, if you had an arthrogram with it and who read the study.

So, a true partial rc tear does not get surgery.
A full thickness rc tear gets surgery.
A long head of biceps tendon tear does not get surgery.

Get the specifics and shoot me a pm or send me the imaging on a dvd and I will be happy to give an opinion on the images etc.
Bob

Cannon · Since 13 Sep 2010 73 Posts

Anyone have experience with a SLAP Tear/lesion? Basically, a torn labrum. Just diagnosed yesterday. Unlike the RC, everything I see is don't do what hurts, or have surgery. I see the Ortho next week as I like to do the things that hurt. If anyone has experience with that, please share. Crying or Very sad

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

Have had both shoulders suffer from the same thing only addition a Bankart tear in one also. Basically an additional tear on the other side. Had surgery and was pretty much useless for 4 months until I was released to get after it. Has been night and day difference to get rid of the constant ache and bothersome. I think it depends on the depth/length of the tear and if it can heal naturally which is always best or does it need surgery for long term stability and lack of tissue build up. I leave for La ventana tomorrow and my shoulders are the last thing I worry about now:-)

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

Cannon- I've had surgery for a SLAP lesion. What I feel was often poorly described to me, was how the basis of the problem is that once the labrum is torn it fails to heal, but primarily fails to anchor back at its normal location- it forms an imperfect socket with a gap that then gives rise to instability that leads to scar tissue deposits to fill parts of the gap(bankhart?) but in reality this only makes it worse as it gives leverage to dislocate or widens this gap.

In reality, many athletic individuals have Labral tears that are asymptomatic. However if your shoulder is limiting you in some way and is failing to improve you will more than likely have excellent results from a surgery- provided a good surgeon. I had mine repaired arthroscopically and that made recovery incredibly quicker and easier.

Good luck dude

Cannon · Since 13 Sep 2010 73 Posts

Thanks both!
Consumer, how long till you were back on the water?

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

Should have said both were repaired via the scope and they are both pain free and back strong ad before. I was off the water for 4.5 months. Had to wait to get cleared by the doc. Get them fixed:-)

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

It also took me about 3-5 months @ 23 y/o before I could ride safely again on the water.

waynepjh · Since 27 Jul 2008 212 Posts jackson wy Stoked

I have dislocated my shoulder 2 times and had lots of pain. I was told by three dr's I needed surgery "Specialists" They were all wrong! You prob have pain because your shoulder is out of alignment. The muscles you use for kiting are prob making your shoulder sit in the wrong spot causing impingment or grinding noises. Do excercises that work oposite of your kiting muscles and STRETCH! I have learned so much about this type of injury and hope somebody takes my advice.

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

For those who didn't see this on the other injury thread, I have copied it and posted it here...it applies to shoulder injuries as well as wrist elbow.

................................................................................

I have tinkered up the device, which is described in the Kiteforum thread:

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2374480&p=737485

And I totally agree with the statement below. Here is an invention, which could be used in conjunction with all the other good advice, stated on NWKite forum, to achieve a more fun-filled recovery period from certain injuries. It is a "crutch" but in a good sense. Lots of interesting issues related to this idea. I would like to see some of the very creative NW kiters, or better yet, a manufacturer, get involved with this concept.
We have 2 threads going on injuries right now, so I assume there are a number of kiters, in the NW alone, that could benefit from this... and with the "cold-water-muscle-pulling" kiting season just around the corner, that there will be more!

"My testing of the "below the bar" plus the "inside the bar" devices has been very encouraging... I am about to put up the "Mission Accomplished" sign.

I have used both the external to the bar bungeed system and the internal to the bar system in conjunction with the short "recoil leash" in conditions ranging from highly powered 7M to low wind 13M conditions, and the system shows "problem-solving" promise, for different reasons in each of these conditions. I keep making discoveries, and come back smiling, after each session.

This kind of device will be most applicable in its use as an aid to those kiters, who are recovering from a wrist, elbow or shoulder injury, but do not want to completely give up kiting. The device, when used properly and conservatively, will give relief to the injured joint or muscle, but still allow the injured kiter to enjoy getting out on the water. I have tested this hypothesis, with a sore shoulder, and was thrilled with the results.

I would recommend that the kiter, first, learn how to use the device, before he really needs the benefit of the device… not while he is in an injured state… just for safety reasons. The learning period is very short, and involves performing all the maneuvers that a kiter typically uses while "Mowing-the-Lawn". This is the level of kiting that an injured kiter should limit himself to, anyways. The kiter can, do heel-side and toe-side turns, jump, do air-jibes, down loops, and simple back rolls, but that should be all.

Note: Here is what I learned, the last time out in 7M wind: This type of spring loaded device may actually have a use by "expert" kiters, who want to boost even higher jumps…. this is still a hypothesis to be tested, but here is what happened to me. Yesterday in powered up 7M wind, I got up enough nerve to pop a good jump, and was surprised by the extra "pop" the device gave me. Then, I realized that I was loading up the bar with an extra 50 pounds, when going into the "pop"... It would be fun to see what Ruben Lenten would do with such a device, which was spring-loaded with twice the force of the one I am using. A hypothesis, that I would like to see tested.

Anyway, my recommendation to not just "aging weekend warriors", but to those who "throw-down", and sooner or later will experience wrist, shoulder or elbow injuries…Make one of these devices and learn how to use it before you really need it. You know that you are not going to want to stop kiting, even, when you are not 100% healthy.

Or better yet, encourage one of the kite manufacturers to produce this type of device.

Here is a suggestion, and a question for kite instructors.

SUGGESTION: Expand your teaching opportunities: Begin teaching the use of this device. First, teach yourself.

QUESTION: What repercussions will you suffer from the instructional organizations (IKO, PASA, etc)? Will your insurance be canceled, or your license canceled, or some restriction be placed on you? I would guess that, since this kind of instruction, would not be "by-the-book", that there could be some repercussions…. so, would the teaching of such techniques be prohibited, until a standard procedure protocol was created, standardized, and approved by the regulatory organization?

Much still to be discussed….

Anyway… so far, so good!"

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

lekaks · Since 02 Apr 2008 151 Posts Hood River, OR Stoked

From my experince with kite related arm issues, most are resolved by going to a bigger bar. The bigger bar has higher leverage and requires less imput and therefore telegraphs less torsion and preasure from hand to shoulder.

I use my 55cm bar with my 9m and my 48cm bar with my 6m without any problems, but when I use a smaller bar with these kites, I start to get the dreaded "kiters elbow"