Dislocated a Shoulder lately?

[edwardofhuncote]

Accidentally popped my (right) shoulder out yesterday at work. Pneumatic wrench and a determined attitude got the best of me. It swelled up, squished around and ached like... -well, you know what- for most of the night.

I fell about 16 feet back in 2001, and landed hard on my left side, roughly the same injury... just popped out and went back. That shoulder hurt for years afterward. This was my stronger arm... it's better today, a lot better, but long term what's this going to be like?

I was 32 the first time, and staring down 48 now. Anybody been there?

[keith_h]

Not that but still have a bad knee that I wrenched badly while cleaning up after hurricane Fran. I was cutting down a 30 inch trunk maple that had grown with a twist. About half way through just like a spring it started to unwind. Turned to run and my right foot didn't get the message. Just wait till your pushing 60. No matter what I might think my body frequently reminds me I'm not 20 anymore.

[gtrguy]

I dislocated one in a bike accident when I was 23. I healed up after a few months, but when I hit 45 - 50 it started to ache again. Docs told me it had a bone spur on it that interfered with range of motion. Many things like this come back to bother you later on in life.

[David Houck]

My recommendation is, if you aren't already, start a light daily yoga practice (after you've healed of course).  It is, I think, important that we don't let our tissues get stiff over time, that we keep them flexible and healthy.  And to go along with that is to develop an awareness of where your body is in space; and by this I mean focusing on your knees when walking up and down stairs, focusing on your lower back when bending to pick something up, etc.  I didn't do these things when I was younger; but now, they are required.

[dtothec]

I never dislocated one, but did separate one in a motorcycle accident years ago! Shoulder injuries are no joke! I've had a fractured patella, and numerous injuries from 4 years of college basketball and none were as painful as the shoulder separation! Get the inflammation out and then start strengthening it. Be patient, best of luck with it!

[ed_too]

I've had problems with both shoulders and a hip resurfaced. I had physical therapy after each and swear by it for a quicker, more complete recovery. One of the problems was a bone spur that was digging into the rotator cuff. Had surgery to remove it - then to physical therapy. To piggy-back on David's yoga suggestion - the stretches I learned from the physical therapist (and still do everyday) are a lot like yoga (I believe).
Good luck with that shoulder,
Ed

[edwardofhuncote]

I 'preciate the advice fellas...

It's actually that much better again today. No squishing this morning, and I've got back some range of motion that wasn't there yesterday. Aches more than hurts when unsupported. What's had me so worried is how much everyday things like holding a steering wheel are so painful... for instance, pumping gas was no problem, but reaching for my wallet is almost impossible. If that makes any sense.

I don't think playing bass guitar will be a problem, but carrying or loading gear is out of the question for a while. Fingers crossed, this isn't as bad as I initially thought... maybe I got by with a clumsy-stupid move this time. 

[pauldo]

+1 on the yoga/ stretching tips.  Once it feels better, don't baby it.  A sedentary lifestyle (as I have found with aging) is NOT good, stretch and then get active, you don't need to do an "exercise regime" per say, just 'do stuff'.

For us it was buying a grossly neglected farm property, it has forced me to be outside and be active, I am sore and tired at the end of the day but I also am in good condition.

Paul (who is knocking on wood and on occasion very grateful for an inversion table - it REALLY works!)

[growlypants]

"...pumping gas was no problem, but reaching for my wallet is almost impossible."  I have that problem, too!!! (Poor attempt at humor...)  A few years back, I broke my knee-cap on Thanksgiving Day, and it STILL bothers me, especially when it rains.  (But I'm 68, so I'm just happy to still be here!)  Hang in, do the best you can, and follow this golden rule:  All you can do, is all you can do.

[dtothec]

You shouldn't be moving equipment any way! The drummer is supposed to do that! Lol

[edwardofhuncote]

Well, I feel a little less freaked out now. 

First, yesterday afternoon I ran into my neighbor, who is an osteopathic doctor, down at the mailbox... (we share a private road) and told her what had happened. She put me through a couple paces and felt around. Says she doesn't think I've torn anything that will require immediate attention, but I should take it light for a while.

Then I had a couple hours practice with the band last night, and though it ached a little bit on the way home, I feel pretty good today. Maybe, maybe, maybe... 

*I'll tell her you said so, Darrell.   (only drummer I'm gigging with these days is a very petite 95 lbs, and plays a Cajon'... a nice wooden, one-trip-to-the-car set.)

[David Houck]

One-trip-to-the-car, so plenty of time to help the bass player.

[jacko]

in my experience, most pub bands would fold if the bass player didn't have a big car and do most of the humping. 

Graeme