Whitewater Forum: Sprained Shoulder

Sprained Shoulder

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Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
Forum Discription: Open Discussion Forum. Whitewater related subjects only
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6478
Printed Date: 07 Oct 2025 at 10:56pm

Topic: Sprained Shoulder

Posted By: Scott_H
Subject: Sprained Shoulder
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2008 at 10:38am

I flipped over my bicycle handlebars on the way to work this week and fractured my thumb and separated\sprained my shoulder (3rd degree - but no surgery needed as of yet). I am supposed to have the shoulder immobilized for the next 2 weeks and then re-evaluate, then if things look ok, move towards rehab. I think a few here have had shoulder problems and just wanted to get some anecdotal evidence on when I might actually be on the river again. I'll be asking lots of questions of the PT when I get to that point, but the recovery time seems to be all over the map when I google it.

When I mentioned WW to the ortho - she said that it would be a while (no time frame given), but she said maybe sea kayaking could be done sooner.

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.”

Replies:

Posted By: James
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2008 at 10:44am

Have you had an MRI?

What part of the shoulder is injured?

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Posted By: Scott_H
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2008 at 12:47pm

I had an xray at the ER and they initially called it an AC joint sprain, type 2 - but at the follow up with the orthopedic surgeon a couple days later (after looking at the xray) she said it was type 3 and wanted me to immobilize it until it scarred up.

My pain level is generally pretty low 5 days later. It is tight and uncomfortable at points, but I have some optimism based on that. I'll have more concrete answers in 2 weeks, but of course I am scouring for info since I have a lot of spare time now. I just want to be able to boat sometime this summer - even if it is a chill run.

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.”

Posted By: James
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2008 at 12:53pm

I have no idea what you should expect and all I can offer is what I have found dealing witih my shoulder. The one thing I would say is that you can paddle when ever you feel like your in need and ready. I am back out on the water and although I have a bit of discomfort in certain postions and a little pain here and there, I figure that it is the same stuff that I encounter in other areas of life too. I just pick and choose what I am going to boat so I don't open up any major opportunities for re-injury.

Take it easy though, and when you finally ready to get back on the water you will appreciate it all that much more!!!

J

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Posted By: sworcester
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2008 at 8:33pm

I have separated my shoulder twice, once requiring surgery. Bottom line, don't rush things. Keep it immobilized like the doc says. Once it starts feeling better watch out... I wouldn't boat for a minimum of 3-4 months.
Separated shoulders heal better and faster with inactivity. Sorry you got hurt. Steve

Posted By: Scott_H
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2008 at 5:28pm

Thanks guys - appreciate the input. It is pretty frustrating watching new snow fall in the mountains, rising river levels, etc. The 3-4 month time frame was kind of what I was working off of. So there is still hope for some late summer runs. I'll just make sure to be the model PT patient.

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.”

Posted By: oukr9965
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2008 at 8:51am

There's an article in one of the AW Journals about shoulder injuries...think it might be the most recent one. I haven't read it, but the person who told me about it said that it helps the PT if you tell them to treat you like a baseball player for rehab purposes as a lot of them don't understand WW. Either way, good luck.

Posted By: Doctor Dave
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2008 at 9:12am

Scott, sorry about your shoulder. I would like to throw in a plug for acupuncture which is what I do for a living. It is usually quite effective in treating shoulder pain, speeding healing, and increasing range of motion. David

Posted By: Scott_H
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2008 at 5:20pm

Thanks David - pm sent.

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.”

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