Adam LaClair
12-18-2003, 09:36 AM
Hi guys.
Things are progressing well with the shoulder. Thanks again to everyone who posted advice, and it's been a bit over a month so I figured I'd post an update.
As a reminder, this is my right shoulder. I hurt it chasing a small child and falling onto it, "compressing" my shoulder joint in the process. My Dr. diagnosed as a strained supraspinatus with a possible slight tear in the rotator cuff, but I don't have insurance so an MRI isn't feasible at this time. My symptoms are getting better, though.
First off, the pain levels in my shoulder are decreasing. I haven't really "tested" the strength levels yet, as I don't want to disrupt the healing process.... but I do believe things are slowly getting better.
A quick aside: My followup appointment with my Dr. got cancelled - he himself is suffering from paralysis in one leg from a pinched nerve in his back, so he made the decision to close his practice. Do you think Warrior Wellness, Body-Flow, or Be-Breathed would possibly be of any benefit to him? If so, I might pick up a set for him as a late X-mas present - the man has performed six surgeries on me, and has become like a friend. He's put me back together repeatedly, and if there is anything I can do to help HIS health I would be very happy to.
Anyway, back on topic: I went to physical therapy a couple days ago for re-assessment since the Doc is "out." They did a full evaluation on my shoulders and arms, and the news seems pretty good to me. My supraspinatus seems ok, however my infraspinatus is suffering from strength loss (as compared to my other shoulder/arm), as is my biceps tendon where it meets the shoulder. I still have a little tenderness in the AC joint, and certain things like laying on my side & shoulder are kinda painful, but I have FULL range of motion in all directions!! (THANK YOU SCOTT & Warrior Wellness!!). They put me on a dumbell and stretch-tube strengthening regimen to restore the lost strength.
Now - obviously I am going to follow their recommended regimen, but I am wondering if it is nearing time to consider some light clubbell work. I only have a pair of 15#ers right now, but I'll be ordering a pair of 5s by the beginning of next week. Am I thinking too far ahead, or is this a realistic next step? I'm also thinking that I should start doing the Intermediate Warrior Wellness exercises now. Or should I stick with the "recovery" phase a bit longer?
Just so you know - I have refrained from any hard grappling for a while now, per the advice I got here. I have an instructor's course I'll be attending the last 2 weeks of January, so my goal is to be back on the mats - at least enough to do light drills - by then. That gives me a month from yesterday. :D
Looking forward to more sound advice,
Adam LaClair
Things are progressing well with the shoulder. Thanks again to everyone who posted advice, and it's been a bit over a month so I figured I'd post an update.
As a reminder, this is my right shoulder. I hurt it chasing a small child and falling onto it, "compressing" my shoulder joint in the process. My Dr. diagnosed as a strained supraspinatus with a possible slight tear in the rotator cuff, but I don't have insurance so an MRI isn't feasible at this time. My symptoms are getting better, though.
First off, the pain levels in my shoulder are decreasing. I haven't really "tested" the strength levels yet, as I don't want to disrupt the healing process.... but I do believe things are slowly getting better.
A quick aside: My followup appointment with my Dr. got cancelled - he himself is suffering from paralysis in one leg from a pinched nerve in his back, so he made the decision to close his practice. Do you think Warrior Wellness, Body-Flow, or Be-Breathed would possibly be of any benefit to him? If so, I might pick up a set for him as a late X-mas present - the man has performed six surgeries on me, and has become like a friend. He's put me back together repeatedly, and if there is anything I can do to help HIS health I would be very happy to.
Anyway, back on topic: I went to physical therapy a couple days ago for re-assessment since the Doc is "out." They did a full evaluation on my shoulders and arms, and the news seems pretty good to me. My supraspinatus seems ok, however my infraspinatus is suffering from strength loss (as compared to my other shoulder/arm), as is my biceps tendon where it meets the shoulder. I still have a little tenderness in the AC joint, and certain things like laying on my side & shoulder are kinda painful, but I have FULL range of motion in all directions!! (THANK YOU SCOTT & Warrior Wellness!!). They put me on a dumbell and stretch-tube strengthening regimen to restore the lost strength.
Now - obviously I am going to follow their recommended regimen, but I am wondering if it is nearing time to consider some light clubbell work. I only have a pair of 15#ers right now, but I'll be ordering a pair of 5s by the beginning of next week. Am I thinking too far ahead, or is this a realistic next step? I'm also thinking that I should start doing the Intermediate Warrior Wellness exercises now. Or should I stick with the "recovery" phase a bit longer?
Just so you know - I have refrained from any hard grappling for a while now, per the advice I got here. I have an instructor's course I'll be attending the last 2 weeks of January, so my goal is to be back on the mats - at least enough to do light drills - by then. That gives me a month from yesterday. :D
Looking forward to more sound advice,
Adam LaClair