Shoulder injury-how long before riding

[Tom Robison]

I took a spill on my new Legend today. The bike is fine except for the carbon bars which is now 2 piece. :crap: Amazingly that is the only damage.

I, on the other hand, suffered an AC separation of my left shoulder. I see my orthopaedist on Monday.

Do any of you have experience with this type of injury? How long to heal? The ER doctor said it didn't need surgery.

Thanks,

Tom

[SneakyFast1]

I had a third degree separation in March. I tried to rehab it without surgery 4 weeks in a sling, but finally in September I had surgery. I've been in a sling for six weeks and next week I finally start PT. It will be 4 weeks of rehab. All told 7 months off the bike. Hopefully you will just be off for a few weeks.

[Dekonick]

This one is outta my knowledge area :( - Hope it works out for you. Bummer 'bout the bars. Good luck!

[Tom Robison]

I had a third degree separation in March. I tried to rehab it without surgery 4 weeks in a sling, but finally in September I had surgery. I've been in a sling for six weeks and next week I finally start PT. It will be 4 weeks of rehab. All told 7 months off the bike. Hopefully you will just be off for a few weeks.

I saw the x-rays and there was no break..just a millimeter or so separation. The Dr said surgery was not necessary. Hope she is right.

Tom

[Jeff N.]

Give it 6 weeks, man. Jeff N.

[dcotcamp]

Tom,

I suffered a complete AC separation (can't remember the grading system, but the ligament was completely destroyed) in a crash about 4 years ago. I was off the bike 2 days, on the trainer for a couple days after that, on the bike about 5 days after the injury. I raced in the Killington Stage Race 2 weeks after the crash. I couldn't get my jersey on without help, but I could ride.

My orthopedist told me that I could do whatever the pain allowed. I threw the sling away after about a week.

Good luck to you. Those things hurt!

Dennis

[gasman]

Wait until you see the orthopedist. If they are a good sports medicine type they will be able to give you a good idea on the rehab period and the need or not for surgery.
It really depends on how stable the shoulder is now, it may take a little while to sort out because of swelling and pain. I agree it sounds like you won't need surgery but don't believe me or the ER doc, get seen by the specialist.(as you are doing)
Good luck.

[rustolium]

I am sure everyone is different. Here is my experience. I have dislocated my left shoulder three times in the last 5 years or so. My last MRI shows a tear in my anterior L....somthing. Doc recommends surgery at some point to reduce the risk of it continueing to pop out. A PT told me he wouldn't take my money as I had a strong shoulder and he didn't feel I needed his help. He said it would take a good blow to come out. Which is true, but still stinks when it does. Man it hurts.

The first time it happened on a motorcycle. This was really tough to recover from. Took several months. Seemed like forever.

Second time was a 24/hr mountain bike race. A little over a month before my wedding. Wife was not happy about that, but I was out of the sling and operational much quicker and before the wedding.

The last time it happened was a bit easier than I would have liked on a mountain bike ride earlier this year. I was back on the road bike maybe a little under 3 weeks. Just was very careful.

It all really depends on how your movement is. Trust your body and go easy when you get back on the bike. No cross or mountain for a bit. Also start shoulder shrugs as soon as you can and then add other dumbell exercises as you can. Light weight at first to stimulate blood flow and start rehabbing those muscles.

To give you a frame of reference, all three times my shoulder was basically moved to the lower part of my arm pit. It took a lot of drugs and like four people to reduce it. Ouch....

I plan on doing the scoped version of the surgery some time.

BTW, I am not a doctor so listen to the Doc first. Good luck and I feel your pain so to speak.

[SneakyFast1]

My separation was about 30 mm. Yours is very mild a grade 1 separation. You will probably be back in no time. Good luck.

[Larry]

Tom,

Sorry to hear the news about your injury.
Take care of yourself, and get healed up quickly.

Larry in Dallas.

[Tom Robison]

for all your answers. I'll know more after talking with my doctor.

Last night I took a look at my helmet. I originally thought it was just scuffed but it's cracked in 2 places. Guess I hit the asphalt harder than I thought. Glad it did it's job.

Have any of you used the Giro replacement offer? Can't find my receipt, but I've only had it 6 mos.

Tom