General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Overcoming shoulder issues Rss Feed  
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2016-02-01 7:07 AM

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Subject: Overcoming shoulder issues
Hi there,

After a few long years away, I'm trying to get back into the swing of triathlon. My big concern is my shoulder. I had an injury about 3 years ago in which I broke the head of my humerus bone (the "ball" of the ball and socket joint on my left shoulder). There was a bone chip that detached, and then reattached with a little edge sticking out, causing clear issues with the tendons in the area. Has never felt the same since, and though the soreness only comes and goes, the issue persists.

Has anybody had this type of issue? I have heard of folks having surgery to smooth out the bone, but that it can take 3-5 months to recover. I have also heard from some that simply rebuilding the muscles around it and running the standard course of intense PT will be fine.

Any thoughts welcome - thanks!

Nathan


2016-02-01 9:43 AM
in reply to: byrdnj

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Subject: RE: Overcoming shoulder issues
It sounds like a subacromial smoothing might be right up your alley. They can do this with a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure in most cases. I believe my ortho told me the recovery period for such was around 8-10 weeks.
2016-02-01 10:44 AM
in reply to: mdg2003

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Subject: RE: Overcoming shoulder issues
Thanks for your reply, mdg2003 - I've heard the same. I feel like the answer always depends upon which ortho I visit. I wonder, do you (or anyone) know someone who has continued swimming and the problem has gone away (either via tissue getting stronger or bone wearing down)?

I'm a big fan of non-surgical options, but you know, not always possible
2016-02-10 7:13 PM
in reply to: byrdnj

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Subject: RE: Overcoming shoulder issues
Mine was torn, so I can't tell you if your spur will get better from personal experience. My injury was not allowing me to swim, so I went ahead and had it fixed.
2016-05-03 2:22 AM
in reply to: byrdnj


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Subject: RE: Overcoming shoulder issues
Originally posted by byrdnj

Hi there,

After a few long years away, I'm trying to get back into the swing of triathlon. My big concern is my shoulder. I had an injury about 3 years ago in which I broke the head of my humerus bone (the "ball" of the ball and socket joint on my left shoulder). There was a bone chip that detached, and then reattached with a little edge sticking out, causing clear issues with the tendons in the area. Has never felt the same since, and though the soreness only comes and goes, the issue persists.

Has anybody had this type of issue? I have heard of folks having surgery to smooth out the bone, but that it can take 3-5 months to recover. I have also heard from some that simply rebuilding the muscles around it and running the standard course of intense PT will be fine.

Any thoughts welcome - thanks!

Nathan


People often don't recognize their lack of mobility until a weekend of unusual exertion leaves them with sore shoulders. There's no replacement for a professional massage therapist( http://www.oakvillechiropractic.com/services/massage-therapy/). Even though rubbing your own neck or shoulder with the opposite hand can provide temporary relief, an expert knows how to direct pressure for the best results. It is important in ensuring that you receive the best possible shoulder massage.
2016-06-07 11:21 PM
in reply to: Henrydavis


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Subject: RE: Overcoming shoulder issues
Hi Nathan,

Sorry to hear about your issue. It sounds very frustrating. Stick with it you will figure it out in no time!

I agree with your attitude about going under the knife as a last resort. For your circumstance I would think that prevention of the issue would be key.

My suggestion would be to work on the mobility of your joint, strengthen it (along with the rest of your body) and then put it through its paces. After doing your due diligence I would then make the call to go under the knife.

Before training you could do preventative strength exercises with theraband tubing. (Ex: seated rows; External rotation; Internal rotation; Shoulder abduction and adduction) After training you could use a lacrosse ball to loosen up the tissue around your shoulder, do some stretching (yoga poses are very helpful), and then ice/heat as needed.

I would do all that with some core exercises as a mainstay. A lot of times shoulder problems are created by a swimmer's tendancy to use their arms more than their core in their stroke. Being able to use your core while you swim is key!

I hope that helps and please keep us informed about what steps you take towards your recovery.

Chad Castillo
[email protected]


2016-06-22 7:04 AM
in reply to: mdg2003

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Subject: RE: Overcoming shoulder issues

Originally posted by mdg2003 It sounds like a subacromial smoothing might be right up your alley. They can do this with a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure in most cases. I believe my ortho told me the recovery period for such was around 8-10 weeks.

i had subacromial smoothing done last summer. Surgeon also manually manipulated the shoulder to break up scar tissue and removed hardware from prior repair  of proximal humerus fracture. Recovery was pretty fast.. 2 days off work and I was working on mobility recovery right away. once the stitches were out at 2 weeks (I had a significant incision from prior surgery anfd the hardware removal) I could do anything up I wanted. If you just need the bone chip cleaned up its a pretty simple procedure done via arthroscope. I'd see a good shoulder surgeon and trust their advice re what to reasonably expect in terms of improvement and then decide. 

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