Hi all

About three weeks ago I took a bit of a major blow to my shoulder. An arm went out from underneath me whilst doing handstands and the top of my shoulder (where the collar bone meets the shoulder joint) took the full weight of my body through it.

Initially the pain was ridiculous, very sharp stabbing pain from my traps down to the top of my bicep. I rested the shoulder for about 10 days and then started to do gentle weights on it. I now have about 95% range of motion in the shoulder.

However, I still can't sleep on it (too painful) and weirdest of all I can no longer tense my trap on that side (by sort of rolling the shoulder forward). It feels almost like there is something slipping when I attempt to tense this.

Has anyone got any idea what I have done and what I can do to remedy this?

Many thanks...

J :blank:

Based on the mechanism of injury, I would guess possible AC (acromioclavicular) sprain or separation.

The fix (assuming it's not bad enough to require surgery): Rest, ice, and a tincture of time.

When you stand in front of a mirror, does the right shoulder droop? You can even try that while holding dumbbells in each hand. This will give you an idea if there is a significant disruption of the AC ligament.

Good chance you broke your collar bone. Not a major problem, but might want to see a doctor to confirm.

Hey guys

Thanks for the replies. The pain is getting gradually worse and seems to be starting to affect the bottom of my shoulder-blade.

Skoorb - I had it x-rayed yesterday and thankfully all the bones are in one piece. The hospital referred me back to my doctor so that he can....refer me to the hospital?!?! Go figure....

Cityman - It's actually my left shoulder but I guess that's irrelevant! The shoulder IS drooping slightly although it takes me a hell of a lot of effort to fight the instinct to hold it up slightly. My natural response is to pull my shoulder up towards my ear as relaxing it down causes pain. There is also (still) some swelling directly above where the collarbone meets the shoulder. Looks a bit odd! Any further ideas?

My worry is that my left trap will atrophy as it is not being used. I could be waiting weeks and weeks for a specialist appointment. Not happy.

J :doh:

Jolyonekenobi:
Sorry for assuming the right shoulder...not sure why I did that. But you're right - it doesn't matter. I still think AC sprain is the most likely. The AC joint is right where you are describing there being swelling - acromio = front portion of scapula, clavicular = collar bone.

You might actually want to wear a sling to minimize the downward tugging on that ligament - the reason it hurts to let your arm relax. Again, rest is #1 treatment. And ice for pain/swelling.

Be patient - the good news is you didn't break a bone. The bad news is you didn't break a bone. [Bones heal much faster than ligaments]