Question for those in broken clavicle club? No mobility/strength in shoulder
Question for those of you lucky enough to go through a clavicle break or anyone with knowledge on the subject:
It's been over 4 weeks since my clavicle surgery and its been a slow road to recovery. Aside from the strange feeling of my skin, numbness and the hardware that's in there, the real problem now is the little mobility and strength I have in my shoulder. The doc took X-rays a few days ago and says everything looks good and has cleared me for PT which I've already started. After going through the exercises with the therapist and practicing them at home, it's really cemented the fact that my shoulder will not or cannot do what I am asking. I am unable to lift my arm straight out to the front or side more than a few inches. I can lift it a bit more with the assistance of the other arm or with the pole I've been using to help with rehab, but I eventually get to a point where I get shoulder pain (in the shoulder, NOT the clavicle). I obviously cannot get my hand on the bars of my bike while on the trainer this way, much less do other day to day things.
Since I'm a bit concerned about this, I asked my doc if it's possible that I injured the shoulder in the crash along with the clavicle. He told me that it is highly unlikely as he thinks the clavicle took the brunt of the trauma and that he thinks the shoulder is frozen up because it's been in a sling for 5 weeks and it's been immobile. The PT agreed with this assessment. However, I'm really unsure if this. The idea that there is more damage in there scares me. Doc alone told me that he expects full recovery in 2 more months....at this rate, I'd sign up for that right away! I'm not the guy who overreacts, but I think that by next visit (2 weeks), I may ask for an MRI if I'm not seeing some improvement.
Have any of you clavicle breakees had a similar experience in your rehab? I think Tim Cronk told me he was swimming 2 weeks post surgery...that's unthinkable to me as I think I'd sink like a stone if I jumped in the pool! I'll continue to do the PT exercises and this stuff is real work for me...tougher than I'd thought. Anything you guys could share about experiences one way or the other is super appreciated.....
It's been over 4 weeks since my clavicle surgery and its been a slow road to recovery. Aside from the strange feeling of my skin, numbness and the hardware that's in there, the real problem now is the little mobility and strength I have in my shoulder. The doc took X-rays a few days ago and says everything looks good and has cleared me for PT which I've already started. After going through the exercises with the therapist and practicing them at home, it's really cemented the fact that my shoulder will not or cannot do what I am asking. I am unable to lift my arm straight out to the front or side more than a few inches. I can lift it a bit more with the assistance of the other arm or with the pole I've been using to help with rehab, but I eventually get to a point where I get shoulder pain (in the shoulder, NOT the clavicle). I obviously cannot get my hand on the bars of my bike while on the trainer this way, much less do other day to day things.
Since I'm a bit concerned about this, I asked my doc if it's possible that I injured the shoulder in the crash along with the clavicle. He told me that it is highly unlikely as he thinks the clavicle took the brunt of the trauma and that he thinks the shoulder is frozen up because it's been in a sling for 5 weeks and it's been immobile. The PT agreed with this assessment. However, I'm really unsure if this. The idea that there is more damage in there scares me. Doc alone told me that he expects full recovery in 2 more months....at this rate, I'd sign up for that right away! I'm not the guy who overreacts, but I think that by next visit (2 weeks), I may ask for an MRI if I'm not seeing some improvement.
Have any of you clavicle breakees had a similar experience in your rehab? I think Tim Cronk told me he was swimming 2 weeks post surgery...that's unthinkable to me as I think I'd sink like a stone if I jumped in the pool! I'll continue to do the PT exercises and this stuff is real work for me...tougher than I'd thought. Anything you guys could share about experiences one way or the other is super appreciated.....
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I'm recovering from a broken wrist and arm. Had my arm and wrist in a soft cast for only 13 days and I have issues - the amount of strength I lost is unbelievable. PT and doc said 6-9 months before I'm 100%, but only 3 months before I can hit it hard. I can only imagine what 5 weeks in a sling/immobile would do.
Chris, sorry to hear about your injuries too! Heal and recover fast....