|
climber49er
Apr 27, 2011, 8:59 AM
Post #1 of 6
(1290 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Posts: 1390
|
Tore my right rotator cuff about 5 years ago while climbing. Never had surgery, continued to climb, but I was very hindered. Haven't really climbed the last three years but am itching to do it again.
Have any of you successfully continued to climb with a torn cuff?
Most motions are fairly pain free except arm straight over the head and I have almost zero lifting strength with arm extended in front, but that almost never seems to come into play with climbing.
I'm just not crazy about possibly making it worse.
|
|
|
|
|
singletrackmike
Apr 27, 2011, 10:38 AM
Post #2 of 6
(1265 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 30, 2009
Posts: 32
|
I have torn rotator cuffs in both shoulders. With me it's certain side extensions, and mantles that hurt the most. I've heard from some who've said their ortho-surgeon claimed that surgery was the only repair. But I also know a woman who's son is an ortho-surgeon, and prescribed therapy, and it did the trick
I don't want to get surgery because I feel I'd lose too much ground and wouldn't be able to get back to where I'm at now (I'm 61) - so, I've been careful with my movements, and do a lot of rowing, and that seems to help. Also I'm able to use my hang board and do pull-ups if I warm up and stretch pretty diligently first.
Whatever you decide to do, avoid anything that hurts!
|
|
|
|
|
climber49er
Apr 27, 2011, 10:42 AM
Post #3 of 6
(1263 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Posts: 1390
|
I actually suspect my left shoulder is tweaked also, I just don't want to admit it.. 
Yes, anything like a mantle puts a hurt on it to, I forgot about that. I actually tore the right one with a weird behind the back twisting mantle motion.
My range of motion in both arms is lousy. So do you think some kind of therapy would help me regain some strength / range of motion?
|
|
|
|
|
singletrackmike
Apr 27, 2011, 10:52 AM
Post #4 of 6
(1260 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 30, 2009
Posts: 32
|
I'd definitly check out therapy. I'm always amazed at how much those therapists know.
|
|
|
|
|
climber49er
Apr 29, 2011, 1:27 PM
Post #5 of 6
(1210 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Posts: 1390
|
thanks singletrackmike. Anyone else?
|
|
|
|
|
onceahardman
Apr 29, 2011, 2:47 PM
Post #6 of 6
(1201 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 3, 2007
Posts: 2396
|
Yes,
I am a PT, climber, and have rotator cuff problems. I was a recurrent dislocator, which has led to my present arthritic/chronic impingement state. My recurrent dislocations are a major reason for me deciding to pursue this course of study. (Along with knee problems).
I have dislocated while leading trad (AKA the only kind of climbing I knew about), while run out 15 feet or so. Fortunately, I managed to self-reduce the dislocation, and finish the pitch. Sorry for the tangent.
I have not dislocated since I learned how to strengthen my rotator cuff, now over 20 years ago.
Learn how to do these exercises PERFECTLY. Once you know what you are doing, if you are diligent, you will probably be able to manage it by yourself. But you must do the work, and often. Knowing is one thing, but actually DOING CORRECTLY is all that matters.
Do yourself a favor, hire a good PT for 4 weeks of rotator cuff therapy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
