Shoulder injury

[|Matt|]

Hey.
I'm new to the site, but I have had a search and I can't find anything that relates to this.

I'll keep it somewhat short and not so sweet. I'm a down hill mountain biker rider, which, if you don't know, is basically riding over huge rock gardens, dropping off 10 ft+ drops and gapping 20+ feet, whilst riding over extremely rough terrain on bikes that can be worth more than $5,000 AUD.

I was off downhilling a while ago, I came round a corner too fast and went over the bars, I was kicked on to my face and I landed on my open arm pit and heard a crunch sound from my shoulder. I didn't really think that much of it, I mean, it hurt a lot, but I thought it was just stretched tendons so I didn't get it checked out by the doctors.

Its been about 10 weeks, it still hurts, but not a lot. It was excruciating the day after I did it, but it is pretty good now. It only hurts to throw large things like footballs, or to sleep on my open arm pit.

I don't think it dislocated, if that is what you are thinking. I can rotate it fully, I can do bench presses and all that fine.

Anyone got an e-diagnosis?

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[physiobob]

Could be lone of a few things: the AC joint (the joint between the collar bone and the shoulder blade or scapula). This mainly comes into play when the arm is elevate above the head. There are several ligamentous structures within the shoulder that could also have been torn and the shoulder could have subluxed as well (a partial dislocation) which can damage the joint and the humeral head.

Does it hurt at all to take the arm across the body to the opposite shoulder? Really should should book in with a good local sports physio for at least an assessment and advice on the way forward. Best of luck

[alophysio]

You are in Aus right? Go see a sports physio or sports med doc who can diagnose it properly and maybe even get an MRI if needed. We aussies are actually quite well off in terms of advanced sports medical care...world class! but maybe i am biased...

[|Matt|]

Could be lone of a few things: the AC joint (the joint between the collar bone and the shoulder blade or scapula). This mainly comes into play when the arm is elevate above the head. There are several ligamentous structures within the shoulder that could also have been torn and the shoulder could have subluxed as well (a partial dislocation) which can damage the joint and the humeral head.

Does it hurt at all to take the arm across the body to the opposite shoulder? Really should should book in with a good local sports physio for at least an assessment and advice on the way forward. Best of luck

It doesn't hurt to touch the other shoulder, just feels sort of stiff if you know what I mean.

I'll try to see a physio, but I don't have much time, but I suppose I should make it.


Just out of interest, what is a possible outcome, without the work of physio?

[alophysio]

Hi - Physiobob's advice is good...

1. If you don't actually define what the problem is, it is hard to fix it - that is why a diagnosis from a good Sports Physio or Sports Med Doc is worthwhile. You might feel gyp'd if it is a simple problem but if it is complicated, then better finding it out now rather than later.

2. Everyone can recover without physio...just like your car will run if you don't service it. It will work but eventually it won't work well, especially if there is something wrong with it. We help make things heal faster with better quality of healing and the end result should also be better ability to do things in every day life. Obviously the end result depends on YOUR condition and the PHYSIO's skill.

I (and lots of physios on this forum no doubt) have had A LOT of people present years after injuries and get relief and then wonder why they didn't do something about it sooner - good physios can help immensely.

If it is about the cost, then how much value do you put into say not working? Some people can get back to work more than a week or 2 earlier with good physio treatment for bad back injuries. The average wage in Australia is $1000/wk. Is spending $150 on 2-3 treatments worth saving $1000? I think so.

Or what about not playing sport anymore - there are indirect costs associated with decreased physical activity not to mention the emotional costs of not being able to play a sport anymore or be able to play at the level at which you used to.

As for time, spending a little time seeing the physio can save you hours of "downtime" not playing or working.

You service your car no doubt - even if it is checking the oil, putting coolant in, pumping up the tyres, putting water in the window wiper well etc etc. Why wouldn't you want to provide the best service for your body?

[alophysio]

BTW, you spend $5000 on a bike !!! Don't you want to ride it properly??

Bite the bullet and find a good physio - if you can't, then post a message with where you are from and we will see if we know someone reputable...

[|Matt|]

Thanks a lot mate, I live in Melbourne in North Ringwood.

There was this one in East Ringwood, I can't remember the name but they were pretty good when I shattered my ankle.