torn rotator cuff

[tryme]

Hi guys I've got a torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder. I had to quit boxing it got that bad. I can't sleep on my left side as I relax my shoulder slides out the socket due to my body weight being on it and it hurts more and more as time goes on.

Will the speed bag make it better or worse?

[Speedbag]

Originally Posted by tryme

Hi guys I've got a torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder. I had to quit boxing it got that bad. I can't sleep on my left side as I relax my shoulder slides out the socket due to my body weight being on it and it hurts more and more as time goes on.

Sounds like you have a shoulder instability that allows the joint to dislocate. That may be happening either because of the rotator cuff tear, or independently from it. Shoulder dislocation, especially anterior (front direction) can happen with or without associated rotator cuff injuries.

I would suggest you see a qualified orthopedic physician immediately (if you haven't already) to get an exactly diagnosis and begin conservative treatment and physical therapy. I hate to say it, but Repetitive shoulder dislocations may require surgical consideration.

Originally Posted by tryme

Will the speed bag make it better or worse?

At the moment most speed bag punching will probably make it worse. By your description your shoulder is acutely injured right now and medical treatment with any movement rehab done under the advice of treatment specialists would be my recommendation. If the interior tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments etc) are damaged and swollen inside then raising the arm up to hit the speed bag can also create associated impingement problems, squashing or abrasing the tissues on the acromion, fraying them even more,.. and I guarentee you want to avoid that one.

Please get medical treament. Hope this helps.

[Tim]

Originally Posted by tryme

Hi guys I've got a torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder. I had to quit boxing it got that bad. I can't sleep on my left side as I relax my shoulder slides out the socket due to my body weight being on it and it hurts more and more as time goes on.

Will the speed bag make it better or worse?

WORSE. I can tell you this for a fact. I had shoulder surgery in 2007 to repair a torn labrum. Focus on getting it fixed first, then you can bag.

[tryme]

this sucks big time. i done it during sparring (boxing) threw a dodgey left hook and my hand went towards the ground and with the force of the blow has torn it. this really does suck im so dissapointed.

i have got a physio appointment tomorrow to be assesed etc so we will see how it goes.

[Tim]

Originally Posted by tryme

this sucks big time. i done it during sparring (boxing) threw a dodgey left hook and my hand went towards the ground and with the force of the blow has torn it. this really does suck im so dissapointed.

i have got a physio appointment tomorrow to be assesed etc so we will see how it goes.

I hear you man... been there done that. Plagued by thoughts of "if only I hadn't done that". The thought of weeks or months of hard earned progress out the window due to an extended rehab...

...but stay positive. My shoulder came back better than ever and within a few months (you've gotta be patient) it was as good as new. Looking back 4 years later, I'm glad I got it fixed when I did and didn't let it get worse. It was painful to walk away from the bag, and the weights, and just about everything else (They'll tell you not to even jog or run or walk any large dogs!) for 6-9 months, but in the end it was the smart thing to do. Mine had hurt for quite some time and when the pain got too bad I finally decided to go for the fix.

[tryme]

I hope they can fix me that's all I'm asking for right now. I vant even sleep on my left side

[Hannibal]

Originally Posted by tryme

I hope they can fix me that's all I'm asking for right now. I vant even sleep on my left side

I walked around with a torn shoulder muscle for almost six years. My doctors sucked, and the injury eventually grew scar tissue and began to atrophy. Finally I got my surgery and it has taken three years but I am on the road to recovery now. I had to give up my power lifting, my boxing gym, and judo. Then one day it got well enough to start bagging. From bagging it lead to the heavy bag again, from there to the double end to work on speed, and now back to sparring. It is like someone pulls the rug out from under neath you, but eventually you will get back. Hang in there. Don't push yourself and make it worse like I did. Get yourself a pair of hand grips and work on that if you can. I can pretty much pop a tennis ball now. It was the only thing I could do when I was unable to lift or punch.

[bagdaddy]

Thanks Alan.

Originally Posted by tryme

Hi guys I've got a torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder. I had to quit boxing it got that bad. I can't sleep on my left side as I relax my shoulder slides out the socket due to my body weight being on it and it hurts more and more as time goes on.

Will the speed bag make it better or worse?

tryme,

Two years after surgery, I still do not sleep on my surgery side shoulder (right). When lying on my left side, I have a small pillow under my right arm pit. It was required after surgery, but now it's for peace of mind. The pillow helps to keep the right shoulder joint in a more neutral position while lying on my left side.

Speedbag's witness to the scapular stabilizer muscles role...I believe...should not be overlooked or taken lightly. My suggestion to you would be to learn ALL you can about their role in the proper function of your shoulder joint BEFORE a lot of wasted time with improper therapy and especially BEFORE any surgery. Did you check out the link to “The Ultimate Rotator Cuff Training Guide”? If not, do yourself a favor.

We all know that hindsight is 20/20. It will be that way with you in your case as well, because you will learn things that can't be learned short of living them.

I will share with you a philosophy that I have recently adopted. Here it is (I don't know yet how to articulate it in shorter fashion): "If you don't want to experience Diverticulitis, learn all you can about preventing it NOW. If you don't want to experience Hemorrhoids, learn all you can about preventing it NOW. If you don't want to experience Heart Disease, learn all you can about preventing it NOW. If you don't want to experience a Rotator Cuff Injury, learn all you can about preventing it NOW."

I'm sure this sounds simplistic, but if we apply this philosophy on matters that we may be at risk for (lifestyle, genetics, family history, etc.) we can reduce some of the negative aspects of 20/20 hindsight.

Your query into this subject on this forum was a wise choice! I haven't seen a lot of response in this particular thread, but I have seen great advice throughout this forum on this subject. I'm not very versed in how to search the forum, but you would do well to search out all you can from some earlier posts.

I wish you complete success and a speedy recovery!

Bagdaddy

p.s.: In my case, I had never hit a speed bag until after assumed-full-recovery of my rotator cuff. However, after hitting the speed bag, the response I got from my shoulder took me from assuming full recovery to being convinced of full recovery...save my scapular stabilizer muscles!