Author: Fernando Solis
In this 2 part news post I will talk you through the recovery process I’m currently undertaking to get over a recent shoulder injury.
I’ve helped many clients recovery from injury and post injury surgery in my time as a personal trainer so I’m very aware of the benefits of corrective exercise.
As an educated health professional I found the medical consultation that followed my injury a little strange, and it prompted me to write this article regarding my experience.
I felt a sense of duty to inform people about the importance of following up any medical advice with a second or even third opinion and investigating all available options.
In this personal case study I will discuss:
• How my injury occurred
• Medical examination
• Basic shoulder anatomy
• Recovery process
The Injury – Shoulder Dislocation
On the 9th of March this year I suffered a shoulder dislocation while playing indoor soccer. I fell and landed awkwardly causing my shoulder to dislocate. It’s the most common type of dislocation with the head of the humorous pushing out and forward towards my chest – anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint.
Within half a minute I stood up and the head of my humorous rolled back into its rightful place. OUCH!
This particular type of injury is what is referred to as an acute injury which is caused by a trauma, rather than from poor joint stability and/or strength that is compromised by incorrect exercise technique.
This was the second shoulder dislocation on my left side. I did the same thing when I was 15 – fell over playing soccer! In my late teens I began weight training and worked extremely hard (with my limited knowledge on proper rehab and conditioning) to strengthen and stabilize my shoulder and the surrounding muscles and succeeded in achieving a secure shoulder girdle which has given me little trouble over the past 20 years.
Basic Anatomy of the Human Shoulder
The shoulder has the largest range of motion of all joints in the human body and is quite exposed to heavy external contact which increases the likelihood of potential injury. When you consider that approximately a third of the head of the humorous has contact with the glenoid cavity its no wonder that it’s a volatile joint that is susceptible to injury.
The glenohumeral joint comprises of:
• Biceps tendon – long head
• Superior glenohumeral ligament
• Subscapularis tendon
• Middle and inferior glenohumeral ligaments
• Glenoid labrum – The glenoidal labrum (glenoid ligament) is a fibrocartilaginous rim attached around the margin of the glenoid cavity in the shoulder blade. It deepens the glenoid cavity and creates a suction cap effect on the head of the humerous for increased stability.
The humorous is further fixed to the glenoid cavity and mobilized by the 4 deep lying rotator cuff muscles (Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis) and by the more superficial deltoid muscles.
There are other surrounding muscle groups which play a role in stabilizing the shoulder joint. In this case we need to consider the importance of the triceps, biceps, latissimus dorsi, teres major and pectoralis major muscles which all have attachments into the humorous and will need to be strengthened and incorporated into the recovery process.
Medical Examination
A week after my accident I was still quite sore and tender. I decided to play it safe and visit a reputable Melbourne sports clinic for a professional opinion on the likely damage my shoulder may have suffered. I was asked a few simple questions about my injury and the doctor checked the range of motion and pain I was experiencing.
I was told that my shoulder would have possible glenoid labrum, muscle tissue, ligament and tendon damage. The doctor emphasized the importance of the glenoid labrum and highlighted the slim chance that it would regenerate and recover its usual function in providing shoulder stability.
I was presented with 2 options:
• Attempt rehabilitation with the unlikelihood of a full recovery and risk wasting
6-8 weeks
• Have surgery for a guaranteed outcome
The doctor then drew diagrams, discussing the likely damage points and explained the surgical procedure that would repair it. I was advised to check the damage with an MRI scan and return for a second consultation, but the doctor was pretty certain that I would be looking at surgery to regain my normal shoulder function.
It was starting to sound like an expensive process.
There was little talk of a possible recovery through patient and proper rehabilitation. I would have thought surgery should be the final option presented once all other possibilities had failed.
I’m in excellent physical health and the fact that I’m a personal trainer didn’t seem to come into the equation. I have an exact understanding of the protocols of rehabilitation and have the mental discipline to carry out a surgery free recovery – All key ingredients to a positive and successful rehabilitation plan.
But the doctor’s message was clear – surgery was my best option.
I felt like a walking dollar sign and more importantly felt that my best interests were not being considered. Who looks forward to going under a surgeons’ knife?
I’d imagine that an uninformed patient would resign themselves to the trusted opinion of a sports doctor. This thought upset me considerably. How many people are being directed towards unnecessary surgical procedures, and who really benefits from it?
I am a health and fitness professional and back my knowledge to make a full surgery free recovery from this particular type of injury.
Needless to say I walked out of there less than impressed and was motivated to prove this doctor wrong. I felt no sharp pain, hadn’t suffered and breaks or structural damage and had made a full recovery from this exact injury before.
I have trust in the healing powers of the mind and body so I employed my own expertise and designed a recovery plan that revolved around what I knew in the gym.
To read the rest of this news post click through to The Power of Proper Rehabilitation – Part 2