From: dyoung@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Donn C Young)
Subject: Re: Bum Shoulder
Organization: The Ohio State University
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 16:33:33 GMT

In article <1992Nov18.085427.27414@CSD-NewsHost.Stanford.EDU> conrad@Xenon.Stan
ford.EDU (Conrad Yoder) writes:
>
>I seem to be having some problems with my hitting shoulder - most likely my
>rotator cuff.  If I let up on playing for a while, it gets less sore, but
>doesn't heal completely.  What am I doing wrong?  Bad form?  Not enough
>conditioning?  Is there an easy (or not so easy) way to get it back to normal?
>
>Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>

Conrad,

Sorry to hear about your injury; hopefully with the right treatment you'll 
be back to painfree play. Here's the section on shoulder injuries from the 
recent FAQ:

  I've had recurring rotator cuff strains over the past 4 years - most of 
  which could be prevented by 1) stretching and 2) strengthening (remember?).
  These injuries run the gamut from strains and tears to acromial impinge-
  ment to dislocation. If you suffer a serious injury, check with an expert 
  - and maybe several at that! Todd Biske (biske@cs.uiuc.edu) had a detailed 
  review of these injuries awhile back and Ill include them here. First, 
  symptoms (as if we have to tell you):

   * A dull, numbing pain in the shoulder which extended down to the elbow 
      at the worse times, which would last for as long as 2-3 days at a time.
   * Nice cracking and popping sounds when rotating the shoulder fully.
   * Easily aggravated by any throwing motion, or harsh wrist snaps which put 
      stress on the shoulder.
   * Sometimes not able to raise arm past 90 degrees. 

  Treatment (remember, check with an expert first):

    You may require medication to reduce the immediate inflammation and 
    pain. My sports med doc gave me an injection of cortisone and put me 
    on ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, a joint can only 
    take so much cortisone, its used only with very serious injuries. 

    Rest.  Don't use the shoulder for at least eight weeks or so.
    See a physical trainer and have them develop a rehab program for you. 
    Rehab programs usually include range of motion and stretching and 
      a weight program to strengthen the joint.

  The important thing to remember is to start SMALL.  It may not feel like 
  a lot of weight, but with a tender rotator cuff, you want to take it 
  slowly.  Also, when you get back to the point where you can play again 
  have someone check your form.  Again, stretching your shoulder prior to 
  playing is Necessary. Get to the gym 30 minutes early for stretching. 

  You may have suffered a more serious injury requiring surgery, either 
  arthroscopically or other. If surgery is recommended, make sure its 
  necessary by getting a second opinion.

  Jim Kiraly (jim@ljkiraly.lerc.nasa.gov) writes that his shoulder injury 
  "was even scheduled for a major surgery which would have immobilized my 
  arm for 6 weeks, required a year of rehab, and according to the 
  orthopaedic surgeon (who I thought was pretty good) could expect no more 
  than 80% function afterwards." He found a GOOD orthopaedic surgeon who 
  knew what the problem was (acromial impingement) and fixed it 
  arthoscopically with a full recovery in about 6 weeks.

That's it, but first you'll need to check with a sportsmed expert for 
diagnosis. If it's "just" a strain, a strengthening and stretching program 
will be designed for you. Mine consists of using a large rubberband called 
a Theraband for strengthening. Keep this up and be sure to stretch before 
playing.

Donn Young
dyoung@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu