Shoulder Poll

True and not true. Intense Pain? The pain on the last surgery really wasn't there. Yipee!! They put a pain pump in the incision that delivered a really good anesthetic right into the joint whenever you need it and it lasts for the first three days!!! Possible re-tears. Sure you can reinjure your shoulder. I did. But the surgeons told me that once the wound is fully healed, any new tear would be at a new spot... In other words, you won't tear the scar tissue. Reduced ROM. Before each surgery, they told me my ROM could decrease to about 70% of what it was before each injury. If that were true and acutally happened, my ROM would be at about 24% of what it was before my first injury... But as it stands, my ROM is 100% I'm 45, and my strength is higher than it was before my first shoulder surgery, because all I did was swim with no weight training before my injuries. But I've lifted religiously 3x per week for 12 years since the first rehab. Slowing down. Not true either. It took a lot of time and effort, but the speed comes back! Yipee!!! I just drink more whey protein than I did 10 years ago. (-: I agree 100% with 100% of what you said! Before my surgeries I was hardly able to bring my arms past chin height (esp. in the mornings). Like i mentioned earlier...within a day or two of the surgeries I was able to put my arm into streamline. My surgeries did not effect my ROM in any negative respect, and I am thankful for having decided to have it done. My surgeon also indicated as yours did that once a surgical repair for a tear is made, the chances of re-tearing that specific location is the same as for any other location of the muscles there...if not slightly lower because the scar tissue and surgical intervention gives that location a little more substance and strength if you follow the correct PT post-operation. And I had no pain after surgery--ever--and I did not have a pain pump or take any medications for pain, not even over the counter stuff. I was in a sling for literally 24 hours post each operation as needed (mostly to prevent me from using it when it should be resting, not because it was helpless or in pain), then I was free to do whatever I so desired with the arm. Best decision of my life as far as my athletic future was concerned. I swam harder, faster and better post-operation, I just wish I had chosen a better college program that could have really made use of my brand new shoulders.

Many of the folks I swim with are orthopod surgeons. They all swear that kickboards are evil. I shall spread the word! :agree:

I have shoulder pain that initially started from too much hucking a Chuck-it for my Border Collie and was compounded by learning to swim. It put me out of the water for a while, but then even not swimming didn't help. Everything hurt. Putting on clothes hurt, reaching for things hurt, it was getting ridiculous. I carefully assessed my posture, habitual movements, sleeping pattern, swim stroke, etc. and came up with a program to deal with the pain. I felt it was a muscle imbalance (pec overdevelopment/ scapular stabilizers underdevelopment) rather than an actual injury. I noticed my shoulder had grown very rounded and slumped. I lift weights 3 x a week with very careful form with special focus ont he muscles that stabilize the scapula and act onthe back of the shoulder. I do not sleep on my side anymore. I swim freestyle (the stroke that hurts most)with slightly wider arms and if it hurts at all, I switch to *** or Back, which feel fine. I NEVER use a board or buoy. I try to keep my shoulders "set" whenever I am out of the water, held back and down to avoid the rolling forward that seems to result in the horrible twanging impingement. Since I started this my shoulder has just felt better and better! It almost never hurts anymore, and when it does, it is because I am not being mindful of posture. I think the most significant thing I did was weight training.

I was one of those PT not sufficient, surgery needed. I had surgery for rotator cuff tear 2 and half years ago. (Not swimming but a skiing accident) Based on my current cruise pace and yardage, I'm at about 85/90% of what I was. There is still some pain and it was a long road back including extensive post surgery PT and two aborted come back attempts due to re-inflamation of shoulder. Right now, knock on wood, the third attempt is successful, I plan to swim my first event in over three years this Sunday, a 2.4 mile open water event in Ft. Collins, Colorado. I now say event as I'm swimming it but not racing. Along with the weight gain it was depressing as I was simply not as passionate about other sports so had a hard time finding an alternative.

I was one of those PT not sufficient, surgery needed. I had surgery for rotator cuff tear 2 and half years ago. (Not swimming but a skiing accident) Based on my current cruise pace and yardage, I'm at about 85/90% of what I was. There is still some pain and it was a long road back including extensive post surgery PT and two aborted come back attempts due to re-inflamation of shoulder. Right now, knock on wood, the third attempt is successful, I plan to swim my first event in over three years this Sunday, a 2.4 mile open water event in Ft. Collins, Colorado. I now say event as I'm swimming it but not racing. Along with the weight gain it was depressing as I was simply not as passionate about other sports so had a hard time finding an alternative. Good luck:cheerleader:

Jim Thornton's comment about bad should advice on the internet brings up a good question. I was diagnosed with a possible small RC tear this morning. Now where can I go to learn about it? What are 2-3 good websites for general information on shoulder anatomy and care of injuries? Mayo Clinic? Others?

Jim Thornton's comment about bad should advice on the internet brings up a good question. I was diagnosed with a possible small RC tear this morning. Now where can I go to learn about it? What are 2-3 good websites for general information on shoulder anatomy and care of injuries? Mayo Clinic? Others? This worked wonders for me: www.usaswimming.org/.../Shoulder Stretch Convention 2007 092307 [Compatibility Mode].pdf Diagnosing the exact problem can 'usually' be done by a qualified orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine doc. Yuo can find one in your area. Self-diagnosis can be tricky...