Out for awhile....

[FTP_07 0]

Have any of you had to deal with shoulder injuries? I was doing my plf's and on the third one I couldn't move it or do anything and had to signal to my instructor that he was going to have to pull for me. Talk about scary. Whew. It's tough to type one handed. So...just wondering if any of you have had to deal with a shoulder injury. I need some old war stories to make me cheer up. Plus....I need to know if any of you made a comeback from something like this. Thanks!

[Couloirman 0]

wait let me get this straight. You were practicing PLF's(parachute landing fall) in freefall and the instructor had to pull? Do you mean your practice touches? I dont see how you could practice PLF's in freefall. If you couldn't move your shoulder, how did you steer your canopy? Good on you for getting down safely though.

I tore my rotator cuff playing hockey getting checked into the corner of the penalty box at full speed by my own teammate!! It took a full year before I was back to normal and I still get pains sometimes, but just give it a lot of time to heal properly, rotator cuffs can be REALLY tricky...

[kschilk 0]

I have a long history of "high-speed soil sampling", my experience with injuries is extensive. Shoulder injuries, especially a dislocation, are slow to heal. After multiple previous injuries, my last shoulder dislocation took almost 3 years to regain strength and range of motion...but it did return to almost 100%. I used only herbal teas, a "cabbage wrap" and exercise for treatment, though surgery was recommended. Glad I passed on the surgery!

"T'was ever thus."

[calledisrael 0]

i dislocated twice in freefall as a student (following a landing where i injured my shoulder) - once my instructor pulled for me, the other i went straight for silver with my left arm.

you can totally come back. i had the surgery, and i ended up totally great. just find out what you need to do and take your time and DO YOUR PT!!!
you can read my postings on shoulder injury if you want, or ask me some questions... good luck to you.

life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
(helen keller)

[ryan_d_sucks 0]

Shoulder injuries are no fun. I've been battling an old, now reaggravated shoulder injury since I took up skydiving. The only thing I can tell you is to go see and orthopedic specialist. Don't waste your time going to your family practice doctor, because they will just tell you to go see an orthopedic person.

Also, once you get a physical therapy regiment prescribed to you STICK WITH IT. The reason my shoulder didn't heal up correctly when I had surgery 4 years ago was because I slacked on the PT. Now I'm doing it 4 times a week, and my shoulder is able to tolerate skydiving.

Do you have a history of shoulder injuries?

[FTP_07 0]

Whoops! That's what I meant. PHT's....jeez. Sorry for the confusion.

[FTP_07 0]

No....though one stupid horse jacked it up a couple years ago. Thought it was okay. Freak thing with the wind catching it and all. People are posting up to a year....I don't think I can tolerate a year out. Never mind 4 years or however many. Course, I asked....now I've gotta face the music. :(

[DocPop 1]

I have dislocated my shoulder while skydiving 3 times this year. Once during the flare, once on exit at 14,000ft and last weekend when I moved my arm forward to flare at the end of a track.

Last weekend I flared with both toggles in my right hand and had a pretty good, on-target landing, but it does take some practice!

Now the season is over I am going to see if I can get the ligaments tightened before next season. Trying to put a dislocation back in freefall is not my idea of a fun skydive.

"The ground does not care who you are. It will always be tougher than the human behind the controls."

~ CanuckInUSA

[FTP_07 0]

Whew....you win. lol. Doc wants to see me back in 10 days and in the meantime baby my arm. Suppose to gradually wean off of sling. We'll see......For now it's just very tender and sore. Here's hoping.....

[jwynne 0]

I've been through a few shoulder problems while skydiving. Traumatic dislocation on the left. Lots of rehab, thought it was fine. 8 months later it dislocated in freefall with minimmal force. Just took a grip above me. Drs classified me as a repeat dislocater. Sx done to stabilize my left shoulder. Down for 6 months. Lots of PT. Back in the air fine.

Cumulative right shoulder injuries cause a rotator cuff tear. Sx and down for 2-3 months. Skydiving, but careful of floating on the bar or any launch stress to my right shoulder. Now I'm fine, just try to be a little careful & protective of my shoulders. Also continue strengthening work all the time.

I know some jumpers who have modified their gear. Left hand pull or leg strap deployment. I'm fine with the normal BOC.

Good luck and work hard at any rehab/PT.

[sraja 0]

Is there any kind of pro-active physical exercise or training one can do to strengthen these muscles and reduce the possibility of a shoulder dislocation?