Shoulder Dislocation

I'm after some advice after experiencing my first full dislocation of my shoulder out catching some waves on my ski.

What have been others experiences with recovery and progress through the injury?

Time frame?

Set backs?

Things they would do better or not at all?

Ive realized my race season for the rest of the year is over but I'd like to aim for a return to paddling for "The Doctor" in January?

Advice appreciated as its going to be a long slow recovery now the conditions are getting ideal for downwind paddling here in The West

I've a bit of experience with shoulder rebuilds. The first surgery was done the old fashioned way almost fifty years ago, and needed immobilization for three months.It has been fine since
The other shoulder needed to wait a year for repair (arthroscopic) + another year for recovery. That because the labrum was 75% torn off-along with other things. Recovery has been good-better than was expected.
My suggestion is that you find as soon as possible a sports orthopod who specializes in arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
If there is only soft tissue damage you may be at it again in 3-4 weeks with therapy beginning in half that time. Of course, you may not need surgery at all, but you do need the advice and care of a specialist.
In the meantime you should keep as active as possible. One other in this forum had the right attitude and ideas for that.
With a little help you may find your situation is not so bad as you think.
Wish you a speedy recovery, Jim.

Good news no surgery needed

Bad news min 4 weeks until I can start some slow flatwater paddling, plus the time I need off work!!

Sorry to hear Adam

I can show you some good rotator cuff excercises that I have to do twice a day

My aim is for the Rottnest - Perth Doctor race as well

BTW, well done on the King of the Cape paddle!

I suffered a full dislocation while whitewater paddling roughly 24 years ago. My shoulder was out for about 8 hours, a result of walking out of the river, finding a ride to the hospital, and difficulties in getting the joint reset. Anyway, years later I only have minimal problems and have never suffered another dislocation. My biggest set back is I can no longer throw or perform similiar motions, no more snow ball fights.

Paddling is no problem and key to this was an effective rehab program administered by a physical therapist familiar with paddle sports. After being in a sling for six weeks, I started an eight week rehab program which was very beneficial.

That was followed up by doing regular shoulder strengthing exercises similiar to these suggested by Davey Hearn, a US whitewater canoe slalom champion. www.daveyhearn.com/Coaching/Technique/Ro...shoulder_routine.htm

I think the key is to find good care and rehab program, continue exercising the effected shoulder (and the other side), and to maintain the routine even when you think you are fully recovered.

Good luck

Have had some experience treating and re-locating dislocated shoulders a few years back as a junior surgical doctor. (Am now an ENT, so only working above the shoulders now!) My understanding is that you can treat a single dislocation conservatively with physio and rehab, but recurrent dislocations are another animal and are likely to require surgical correction. This used to be called a Bankhart repair, now done generally with a scope.

Good luck with your rehab.

Thanks guys,
All going well at present, but could always be faster!!!