Dislocated Shoulder :(

FluffyWhite · 03-19-2009, 07:09 AM

Hi all...
I don't even know where to start this...but yesterday doing a barbell pullover on a decline bench my shoulder popped out of my socket. It crunched and cracked and ended up sticking straight up like a V. It was hideous and perhaps the most pain I can remember. I ended up on a stretcher, than in the hospital knocked outand pulled into place. This is the morning after...the pain is bad...but I dont care. I cry because I cant lift...and can't find anyone to tell me how long again before I can. I was ten weeks out from my first show, and I gave BBing all I had. Really, really hard morning.

Thanks...

mkit8971 · 03-19-2009, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FluffyWhite

Hi all...
I don't even know where to start this...but yesterday doing a barbell pullover on a decline bench my shoulder popped out of my socket. It crunched and cracked and ended up sticking straight up like a V. It was hideous and perhaps the most pain I can remember. I ended up on a stretcher, than in the hospital knocked outand pulled into place. This is the morning after...the pain is bad...but I dont care. I cry because I cant lift...and can't find anyone to tell me how long again before I can. I was ten weeks out from my first show, and I gave BBing all I had. Really, really hard morning.

Thanks...

Shoulder dislocations, usually severe ones, can result in something being torn. Are you getting any type of swelling? Does the joint feel stiff? Did the hospital perform an MRI? I'd say take it easy for a week, hit up the cardio in the meantime, and if you still don't feel any different I would suggest going to an othropedic. Good luck.

LiftinKB · 03-19-2009, 07:48 AM

wow... sorry to hear that

I'm assuming you probably have an appointment with someone to take a look at that shoulder since the hospital just got it back into place but since you still have a lot of questions.

Like the above poster said... if there is something torn then its going to be a longer road to recovery. on the bright side you are in good shape so you will heal faster than most.

and you may not even have torn anything... just stretched it out real good when you popped it out... my best guess is you wont be competing in that upcoming show (sorry) but hopefully you can get back to the gym sooner than later... at least its your shoulder and u can still hit the cardio/legs while on shoulder recovery time

FluffyWhite · 03-19-2009, 08:03 AM

I'm not really sure if the joint is tight or stiff, I'm in a stupid sling....I really feel like the sling is doing more harm than good...when im out of it I feel okay...can move the shoulder around with not too much trouble (not over my head or anything (i am too scared to try). Will I ever be able to do shoulder presses again? I finally got up 40 lb DB's on my own last week

Okay, maybe a little spot!
I hate this sling and this waiting.
About the leg training...I wouldnt imagin I could have barbells across my back?

Thank u guys oh so much
Fluff

LiftinKB · 03-19-2009, 08:10 AM

well no probably no squats... and it sucks yes, but hitting the machines and such... better than nothing right

LiftinKB · 03-19-2009, 08:11 AM

but def if u dont already have an appointment, make one... especially since u planned on competing, better to know its just a dislocation and nothing more than to wonder or worse yet, there be more and not get the right treatment

mkit8971 · 03-19-2009, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FluffyWhite

I'm not really sure if the joint is tight or stiff, I'm in a stupid sling....I really feel like the sling is doing more harm than good...when im out of it I feel okay...can move the shoulder around with not too much trouble (not over my head or anything (i am too scared to try). Will I ever be able to do shoulder presses again? I finally got up 40 lb DB's on my own last week

Okay, maybe a little spot!
I hate this sling and this waiting.
About the leg training...I wouldnt imagin I could have barbells across my back?

Thank u guys oh so much
Fluff

Sometimes slings or braces can hinder healing. Even after most shoulder surgeries you're advised to remove the sling for light shoulder rotations. I'm guessing the hospital gave you a sling as a precautionary measure. If you can move the shoulder without too much discomfort I'd say that it is probably helping it. You'll be able to do your shoulder presses again, but once you pinpoint what the problem really is. If somethings torn most likely it'll be a while for those presses, but with proper rehab you'll be back stronger then before. Seeing a doctor and getting an MRI can do wonders for peace of mind, and it really points you in the right direction on how to deal with your problem.

martyn747 · 03-19-2009, 08:26 AM

Hey, I'm gonig through exactly the same thing right now. I dislocated my shoulder and tore some ligaments playing rugby almost 1 month ago now. It really sucks I know, I had to defer a fitness test for the police force, and I have to stop gym, rugby and MMA for a while

Basically, almost a month later, I have almost full movement back in my shoulder and I can make a dumbell press movement (with no weight) which hurts a lot, but getting easier (I try it once a day). So yep, you can do dumbell presses again

I have been doing a lot of cardio and leg machines, and as a result my legs are a lot firmer. I also haven't lost any weight or mass, my muscle definition has faded slightly and I'm looking a bit softer, but that will be easy to rectify, I think I have just lost pump.

My advice to you is take it easy for a week, zero gym whatsoever, and then after a week see how a bit of light cardio feels. And everyday try moving your arm in different directions so you keep your range of motion. Keep active and eat well and you won't lose too much mass.

And I know what you mean about the sling, its really uncomfortable. I kept it on outside the house, and also when I slept so my arm didn't flop about all over the place and re-dislocate lol - just make sure you're careful with it!

Any other questions let me know, we'll get through this together

AusLifter06 · 03-19-2009, 06:21 PM

Definitely schedule an MRI ASAP when the swelling and pain goes down a bit. Best to know what you're dealing with before you start a rehab program.

GettinJacked99 · 03-19-2009, 06:32 PM

Im extremely sorry to hear about this, I know how it feels. Was going into my senior year football season and in the first game my shoulder popped out, tore my labrum and i was done.

All i can say is make sure you get an MRI asap to check for anything that is torn. If your lucky you wont have any major tears.

Good Luck

WeightLiftinFun · 03-19-2009, 06:50 PM

At least you have the insurance to get an MRI. Some people aren't so lucky! Speedy recovery!

GettinJacked99 · 03-19-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FluffyWhite

I'm not really sure if the joint is tight or stiff, I'm in a stupid sling....I really feel like the sling is doing more harm than good...when im out of it I feel okay...can move the shoulder around with not too much trouble (not over my head or anything (i am too scared to try). Will I ever be able to do shoulder presses again? I finally got up 40 lb DB's on my own last week

Okay, maybe a little spot!
I hate this sling and this waiting.
About the leg training...I wouldnt imagin I could have barbells across my back?

Thank u guys oh so much
Fluff

Youll be able to do everything over time. Might take 2-3 months but at first i couldnt squat, press, or do any type of fly motion. After about 4 months I was able to do everything. Give it time and youll be back.

FluffyWhite · 03-19-2009, 08:21 PM

I would type more, but its my right shoulder, and I'm rockin a sling. No insurance...but I am going to pay to have an MRI if it is absolutely necessary...
I'm in some sick pain right now...I think the depression may be worse.

ejzeke · 03-19-2009, 09:55 PM

sorry to hear bout that. be sure to do physiotherapy after.

too bad you dont live in Canada either. Healthcare is free!

_FNG_ · 03-19-2009, 09:59 PM

As mentioned earlier, injuries with shoulder dislocations aren't uncommon (google bankart lesion) but not an absolute. Wearing the sling early on will help decrease the risk of another dislocation (VERY HIGH DISLOCATION RATE for younger individuals >95%). The sling pictured (hopefully) should be the type of sling you're ultimately given instead of the old-standby.

A MRI will shed more light upon the situation. Until you get that, I'd limit your strength training (yes it sucks).

paul0616 · 03-19-2009, 10:13 PM

the regular sling puts the arm in inner rotation, which might stress the posterior ligament, assuming that is what is injured. A good doc should be able to tell you what happened in the shoulder, even without an MRI.

_FNG_ · 03-19-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul0616

the regular sling puts the arm in inner rotation, which might stress the posterior ligament, assuming that is what is injured. A good doc should be able to tell you what happened in the shoulder, even without an MRI.

Anterior dislocations are most common and usually the result of a)overall hypermobility or b) tightness in posterior capsule. So an internal rotation position will put the posterior capusle on stretch but a slighly external rotated position does the best to approximate the anterior/inferior labrum and the glenoid fossa (if it is torn).

paul0616 · 03-19-2009, 10:38 PM

the sling above does look like the most shoulder neutral possible. Although I can't imagine trying to sleep with that on.

@FluffyWhite
was this your first shoulder injury?

I was just reading :
http://www.wellingtonortho.com/healt...lder-safe.html
which I might have got from this site. The lift you were doing likely put the shoulder in the "red zone" from what you described.

FluffyWhite · 03-20-2009, 11:23 AM

Thank you guys so much for all the insight. I feel like I'm getting really depressed...I cant even eat with my right hand. I cant do ANYTHING. This was my first shoulder injury...first injury pretty much ever. My forearm is really numb and I have a lot of pain inthe bicep area. It was about 75 minutes before they put my shoulder back, maybe even a little bit longer.
I just have a traditional sling, but am going to order an external rotation sling, only when i know what degree it should be...15 or 30? I think thats for the Dr. to determine.

_FNG_ · 03-20-2009, 12:11 PM

Prior to reducing the dislocation the medical staff should have done a neuro exam of the arm (can you feel this, squeeze that, etc) and again after the reduction to conclude if there were any structures that may have been impinged. However, the numbness you're experiencing could be normal "falling asleep" due to the position of your wrist in comparsion to the elbow. To limit this you can position the sling so your shoulder doesn't feel raised compared to the uninjured side and the wrist is slightly higher than the elbow. Also getting range of motion at the elbow passively (other arm moving it) will help reduce secondary pain.

bubba g · 03-20-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FluffyWhite

Thank you guys so much for all the insight. I feel like I'm getting really depressed...I cant even eat with my right hand. I cant do ANYTHING. This was my first shoulder injury...first injury pretty much ever. My forearm is really numb and I have a lot of pain inthe bicep area. It was about 75 minutes before they put my shoulder back, maybe even a little bit longer.
I just have a traditional sling, but am going to order an external rotation sling, only when i know what degree it should be...15 or 30? I think thats for the Dr. to determine.

I'm sure everyone is different, but I know people who have dislocated their shoulder, and been ok not long afterwards. I guess it depends on the severity of the dislocation.

My Father who was in his 50s at hte time fell, and when he went to stop himself from hitting hte ground dislocated his shoulder pretty badly. It was out for over an hour before the Doctor put it back into place.

He said it it hurt for a couple days, then he was fine.

BigFatCox · 03-21-2009, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FluffyWhite

Hi all...
I don't even know where to start this...but yesterday doing a barbell pullover on a decline bench my shoulder popped out of my socket. It crunched and cracked and ended up sticking straight up like a V. It was hideous and perhaps the most pain I can remember. I ended up on a stretcher, than in the hospital knocked outand pulled into place. This is the morning after...the pain is bad...but I dont care. I cry because I cant lift...and can't find anyone to tell me how long again before I can. I was ten weeks out from my first show, and I gave BBing all I had. Really, really hard morning.

Thanks...

Having dislocated my shoulder 3 times due to boxing and MMA, I can tell you this. It IS very serious, especially if it was a full dislocation. I feel your pain. It's the worst pain ever, you can't move or hardly even stand up, and with me I ended up in the emergency room twice (now i know how to have someone else put it in for me so as to not foot the bill).
Unfortunately, you most likely tore your labrum. In over 90 percent of full shoulder dislocations the labrum is torn somewhere. It's very rare to have the muscles just "stretched out", ESPECIALLY if you had to wait until you got into the hospital to put it back in.
In a few weeks your shoulder will feel fine; dont let this fool you. You will even be able to begin lifting again (3-4 weeks) almost as much as you were. But doing the simplest things, such as dribbling a basketball and shooting your arm out from your body too far and fast will make it dislocate it again. Once you dislocate it, surgery is usually needed for active athletes. For me, i had to do it. After my first dislocation boxing (this was due to a previous labral tear from me being careless), it came out literally playing basket ball and then sleeping.
Honestly, if I were you, i'd just put myself in zombie mode and just DRIVE throught this thing. Get an appointment for an MRI, get an Arthroscopic Bankharts Repair done and get yourself PT'd.
I'm 2 years out from my surgery, and it doesnt dislocate anymore(knock on wood) and I do Mixed Martial Arts. Your lifting wont be inhibited, except for possibly lifts such as military press.
If you dont care about it dislocating again, then just get physical therapy and start lifting again. But expect for it to dislocate once again when you LEAST expect it. With active people, physical therapy ALONE without surgery isnt very effective because young people are constantly moving, playing sports, roughhousing, etc. Surgery is the way to go man. Your insurance should cover most of it, but the bill will still be a couple grand. Well worth your health in my oppinion.
Go see a sports medicine/orthopedic surgeon in your area and get his opinion. PM me if you want to talk, as I probably wont be able to find this thread again.
I honestly feel for you bro, and understand exactly where you are coming from. It's been a long road for me, but I'm finally back to where I was. It just takes time and confindence.

paul0616 · 03-22-2009, 12:14 AM

>> Surgery is the way to go man ... I honestly feel for you bro

I don't think FluffyWhite is a dude.

KarateChris · 03-22-2009, 12:36 AM

I'm going through a shoulder dislocation as well (right shoulder too). I was doing overhead tricep cambered bar extensions and on my way down, it popped right out. However, for me, I had no pain, and once I stood up I was able to put it back in myself (it went back in very easily, like maybe it just came loose - but it definitely looked dislocated). It's been a little over 3 weeks, and I'm back to lifting LIGHT weights on chest/back/shoulders (10 lb dumbells for military press and laterals), and I'm almost pain free. Every so often it'll feel stiff/slight pain.

I know you're feeling down especially since you were getting ready for a show. My advice is to do what you can: cardio and some legs (definitely not free weight squats - leg press/leg extension are your friends right now). Just getting back in the gym and exercising will raise your endorphins and help with the depression.

Don't think of this as the end of your bodybuilding, but something that MOST lifters go through. Everyone has injuries that happen throughout their lifting careers. What's important now is how you respond to the hardship.

One last bit of advice: do NOT start lifting again before the doctor tells you (my doctor told me 2 weeks, but your injury is a bit more serious so you should see an Ortho before you start lifting again). Take everything slowly. You're not going to want to take it slowly (I didn't and possibly made things worse.. still waiting to see) but you need to. Good luck!

BigFatCox · 03-22-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul0616

>> Surgery is the way to go man ... I honestly feel for you bro

I don't think FluffyWhite is a dude.

oops, my bad, just assumed. the avatar should have given it away lol

FluffyWhite · 03-22-2009, 03:02 PM

Today I managed to drag myself out of the black hole that I call Ice cream, Vodka and self pity. I rode the bike. Alot different than the near vomit sessions of HIIT I usually put myself through. No endorphins. Not even a smile. I dont know how to snap out of this. I hate being waited on. I cant blow dry my hair. I couldnt change my cats litter box yesterday. Now I'm on bodybuilding.com whining like a little bitch. Thanks for listening. Does anyone think that bicep curls (lightweight) and back extensions are okay for now. One can only do so many sets of leg extensions before one commits suicide

Thank you guys for all your insight, it's really appreciated
Fluff

KarateChris · 03-22-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FluffyWhite

Today I managed to drag myself out of the black hole that I call Ice cream, Vodka and self pity. I rode the bike. Alot different than the near vomit sessions of HIIT I usually put myself through. No endorphins. Not even a smile. I dont know how to snap out of this. I hate being waited on. I cant blow dry my hair. I couldnt change my cats litter box yesterday. Now I'm on bodybuilding.com whining like a little bitch. Thanks for listening. Does anyone think that bicep curls (lightweight) and back extensions are okay for now. One can only do so many sets of leg extensions before one commits suicide

Thank you guys for all your insight, it's really appreciated
Fluff

Don't do any weights whatsoever with that arm... not even light bicep work. You need to make an appointment with an Ortho to see what they think.

You also need to give yourself permission to take some time off and allow people to help you. If you lose some size or strength or definition it doesn't make you less of a bodybuilder or less of a person. You're more than just your bodybuilding. Go out and enjoy other things for the time being to get your mind off of your injury. Schoolwork, reading, movies, friends, etc. Continue to exercise within reason (cardio and legs), but don't beat yourself up because you got injured and can't lift right now.