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Bad shoulders vs still competing

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c-wayne
Posts: 253 - Karma: 906
so like many of you i have bad shoulders. my right ones been dislocated once and my left recently has came out its second time from a car accident. So ns, my doctor basically said if eat shit anymore my left shoulder will most likely come out again and i should probably get surgery or stop skiing as hard as i do. Ive had really good luck with braces on both shoulders last season so i was thinking about trying to ski with them  again this season even though my shoulder is a lot worse. I know all the therapy exercises that can be done and i faithfully do them, but feel like they only do so much.

So basically my question is, how good of luck have you guys had with braces and what braces have you guys tried using? Ive been rocking the sully last season and its worked great but its extremely hot and makes rail jams miserable when hiking. And do you think its even worth me trying to still ski hard knowing im probably goin to eat shit a good bunch (cos thats just part of the game)?
Oct 7 2013 4:10PM
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first_rodeo
Posts: 2385 - Karma: 7,781
/threads for similar dilemma

last monday I separated my should dirt jumping and skiing starts in two weekends...

Out of fear i have yet to see a doctor about my seized up neck and shoulder

Recommendations for concussion prevention?

 anyone wear mouthguards cuz ive knocked out a few teeth and it pisses of the dentist and ortho
Oct 7 2013 5:36PM
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rare_earth
Posts: 44 - Karma: 59
on the mouthguard thing:

because ive had like 5 concussions and 2 of them were really serious i had to go to a brain doctor and he said i should wear one when i do any contact sport. so i wear one when i ski its easy just attach it to your helmet and pop in it when you get off the lift. It definitely helps and gives me more confidence too
and its fun to chew on
Oct 7 2013 5:42PM
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Black-Bandanna
Posts: 6680 - Karma: 1,603
I've had surgery on my left shoulder, will most likely need surgery on my right and have pole vaulted at a Division I level for four years, rock climb at a very high level, and ski extremely hard. It won't set you back at all if you commit 100% to the recovery exercises. After you're done with your PT continue lifting and improving your muscle strength, eat healthy, and take care of your body. If you truly want to continue at a fierce, competitive level the only thing stopping you is you. Self discipline, a healthy diet, daily exercise, and a positive attitude is all you need. Good luck man.
Oct 7 2013 5:47PM
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STAUSS
Posts: 8232 - Karma: 3,311
i used to disloc my shoulders on the regs.  These injuries started from skiing then for a long time they'd blow out just doing minor stuff (playing beer pong for example...).  I started rock climbing hard about 2 years ago and ever since then I've pretty much been injury free.  knock on wood.  so, i'd suggest just building the muscles as strong as you can to prevent the joint from taking the brunt of the accidents. 
Oct 7 2013 5:52PM
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Montana-boy
Posts: 184 - Karma: 12
I also have had terrible shoulder problems. Dislocated and broke my left shoulder 6 years ago. After multiple dislocations had surgery a few years later. Then, this spring, I ripped it out again. Blew through the entire surgery in the backcoutry. It was out for 5 hours. Just brutal. I'm doing PT now and also cosidering a brace. I went to the surgeon again after this last dislocation and was advised not to do another surgery. It probably won't help at this point. Sucks a mother for sure. Every time you dislocate it, more damage is done. Core strength and PT are key, but ultimately in any bad crash, you have very little control. At this point, I really can't afford any more medical bills and going into the back country becomes ultra treacherous when you face the prospect of ripping out a shoulder every time you click in. A super restrictive brace has got to help though right?
Oct 7 2013 10:49PM
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Pudge
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 3,117
You need to start lifting, you can't be all legs like too many skiers are.

I separated my AC twice, no dislocations though

Also, competing isn't worth it. Just start enjoying skiing for the enjoyment of skiing. You don't want to be 35 and unable to play catch with your son because you wanted to get third place for your front 4 out of a flat bar
Oct 8 2013 12:38PM
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c4t_l0ver
Posts: 5485 - Karma: 810
Broke my shoulder in 3 spots in February, hoping I don't fuck it up this winter
Oct 8 2013 1:07PM
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seanahue.
Posts: 2142 - Karma: 3,375
4 years ago I had 2 really bad dislocations back-to-back, one in the fall playing football and the second in the winter while skiing, both on my left shoulder. I subluxed a few times in the spring after that, and I honestly thought my shoulder was shot; even contemplated giving up park skiing and football altogether. In the end I quit football anyway because of concussions; smartest thing I ever did. At the time the insurance I had through school didn't cover major operations/reconstructions, so surgery just wasn't an option.

Thankfully even after football was over for me, I still had my college's PT staff at my side to walk me through recovery. The exercises we all know so well DO work, it's just a process that is going to take longer than you want it to. Also, ICE LIKE A MOTHERFUCKER. After every PT session, do it; yes it's a pain the the ass, but it helps.

If you have access to one of these things, even better: Click for larger image

My advice would be to take the entire year off from 'competitive' skiing. Just cruise, do fun shit that doesn't cause pain, stuff you know you'll land (cossacks, cossacks, cossacks!). Work on style and small progression; learn unnatty slides, all 4 180s, etc., these types of things I never even thought of learning until my injury, and now that I'm back skiing hard they've helped my all-around game tremendously.

If you do choose to forego an operation, treat your recovery exactly the same as if you had one. Just to give you an idea of the timeline you're looking at, it took me almost 2 years after my last sublux to even be able to sleep comfortably, and another year after that to be able to take hard falls without feeling that burning 'fuck my shoulder almost gave'-type pain.

There's alot of disagreement in the PT community over whether braces actually help recovery, or hinder it. I personally believe the latter. Unless you're talking about ACL reconstruction, in most other cases they're just a crutch. Your body will eventually be able to compensate without one, it just takes a lot of time, patience, and dedication.

I'm no doctor, but that's my personal experience on the matter.

Good luck OP!
Oct 8 2013 2:02PM
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CKpolicy
Posts: 2587 - Karma: 2,463
i dislocated my left shoulder skiing last feb. i was only out for about 2 weeks (it was stupid not to listen to the doctor but i couldnt let my season end while i was sitting inside on my ass) i have been doing pushups to get the strength back since, and have been looking into some rubber band resistance training as the season creeps up. the doc said i have a 60% chance of recurrence, so hes to hoping i dont land on it again this year.
Oct 8 2013 2:10PM
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