Training & Nutrition - Shoulder Question

Alright, my shoulder injury and it's cause have been publicised often enough on this forum. However, what I would like to know is how much damage would riding actually do to it. I haven't ridden since the injury occurred last Sunday, and won't be riding this weekend.

I have been catching the bus to work through the week and I believe there is a serious possibility that this is hindering the recovery more than riding to work would, after all, I do have front suspension. This will be a problem if the injury is (as expected) still there on Monday.

Gold Coast bus drivers have some shocking driving habits that can often result in someone being thrown against the side of the bus or having to grab the nearest solid object to avoid this.

I would be extremely appreciative if somebody could quantify this so I can make a decision about it.

My Doctor's. always tell me "let pain be your guide, if it hurts, don't do it". However, my partner has ridden all summer with a torn rotator cuff (with a doctor's guidance and physical therapy).

I rode with inflammation in my shoulder, I finally went to the orthopedic got put on Vioxx and the inflammation disappeared.

However, I injured my elbow a few weeks ago and am completely off the bike.

You've been told this before, see a doctor, shoulder pain is not something to play with. The sooner you get it treated the less problems you'll have in the long run.

Kathi

I've got an appointment to see the doc in about three hours time. I would have gone two days ago but it's so hard to find one that's open convenient hours around here that you can actually get into. It seems to be better this morning anyway.

I know that riding with it would not be ideal, I was just curious about whether it would be a lesser evil than catching the bus everyday (my wallet would certainly appreciate saving the $35/week).

Chris,
By now you probably know whats wrong. Glad to see you're getting professional help.

The other comment I always get from the Doc. is "but if you fall you could injure something else".

Since I can't bike with this elbow problem I thought of roller blading instead but then I remember my Physican's Assistant warning so I'm sticking with the trainer.

Kathi

Alright folks, I promise this is the last time I'll mention the most over-hyped shoulder in bikeforums history. I've just come back from seeing the doc, he's practically ordered me back on the bike. Of course, I will always follow doctors orders when they put it like that. :angel:

Apparently it was bruising, so it will heal by itself, and the doc seems to think that riding will help facilitate this process. Unfortunately he did say to take it easy at first, which rules out the Binna Burra ride tomorrow, but does open the way for my commute. I might even go for a leisurely spin after I pick up my replacement helmet.

Well, how bad does your shoulder feel during a ride? Is it fatigued and ache afterwards?

I had a serious injury. Had a nasty double fracture of the ulna in the joint which they fixed with a 4.5" screw and wire. Also had a broken clavicle and collar bone.

I was able to ride pretty quickly but the elbow would fatigue and ache usually for the rest of the day. It gradually got almost better. Still hurts a tad sometimes.

My basic indicator is if it feels good enough to do it again on the next day, I am not overdoing it. And that has always worked well for me.