I have had and still got (understatement)some
shoulder issues going on, and the reason I am posting here is for a “lessons
learned” for someone going down the same road, and it seems most all of us have some type of shoulder injury, and its
not matter of if but when……
I‘ve tried a lot of different medications and the two I have
a listed below are working at the moment while taking vitamin N,(Naprosyn) Listed below are the symptoms that I have going on and the treatments
I am facing with P.T. in the next couple of weeks then I’ll know if I get the knife .Once I know more I will post procedures/treatments
here.
To know more about shoulder injuries, I have found a great RESOURCE on The web check out the Rehab section. Another place for great information is HERE And lastly here is another Shoulder site, all have different information covering different
aspects of shoulder injury and care.Browse their sites….. lots of good stuff to be found there.
On a side note:
I like how they tell you not to use it,
after you just saw how the gauges lit up after that last nights rain…..yeah right…sure Doc…staying at home….Okay….
So listed below is what I got going on at the moment and you might
too. Hope this helps.
Acromioclavicular Joint: "ACJ", and Impingement.
Type II Shoulder Separation
A more severe injury can result when
the ligaments around the joint are actually torn (Grade 2). If the ligaments around the joint are torn and the ligaments that
attach the clavicle to the coracoid process, the injury results in a obvious bump on the shoulder Rare late problems would
include: pain and swelling and a perception of weakness or gross motion at
the
ACJ
Type II: “Rupture
of the acromioclavicular ligament with a partial tear of the coracoclavicular ligaments. The distal end of the clavicle is
displaced in relation to the acromion less than the full width of the clavicle itself.
A second-degree A-C separation
shows up on X ray a widened joint, but is otherwise the same on examination and treatment”.
Treatment
“Treatment for a Grade 1 or Grade 2 shoulder separation usually
consists of a sling and pain medication until the sprain, or tearing, of the ligaments heals. In most cases, the shoulder
becomes relatively pain free within 3 weeks. Since there is not a danger of making the condition worse, activity can be determined
by the symptoms. You can usually do whatever you can tolerate.
Surgery is usually
reserved for the unusual case that results in persistent pain or a sense of instability despite conservative care. Exceptions
to this general rule would be the dominant arm of a throwing athlete, extreme sport athlete or laborer.
Although non-operative care such as anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone
injections, and rest may result in relief of symptoms, persistent symptoms may indicate the need for removal of the end of
the collar, which is usually very successful in solving the problem. Ligament reconstruction is not necessary in these
cases.”
Ketoprofen Gel:10%
I have found that this has helped the inflammation,
but it is a temp fix, and depends on who makes it .I have an old school pharmacist that is making my batch. It really helps
before and after the paddling trips. It works like a nuclear meltdown and goes right to the source. It is almost like a steroid
shot in a tube. Works great but it is temporary. The nicest thing is that it is not a pill to where the medicine has to find
its way to the shoulder; it goes straight to the source.
“Studies have shown that the gel achieves
significant pain relief when applied topically to an area of the skin. In this way, the ketoprofen is able to treat affected
tissue through direct diffusion. This is particularly useful in instances of pain
being the result of active or passive movement or additional pressure on the joint. Ketoprofen relieves musculoskeletal pain
and inflammation in muscles and joints, including arthritis pain, osteoarthritis, stiffness of the joints, soft tissue rheumatism,
tendonitis, bursitis, backache, gout, and sports injuries such as musculotendinous contusions, bruising, impingement, sprains,
tears and strains.
Ketoprofin is classified as an NSAID (like Vioxx, Motrin, Naprosyn, etc.) It is excellent
for people who need relief but cannot take typical arthritis prescription medications due to stomach upset, or kidney and
liver complications. (A 20% gel is also available.)”
Cosamin DS
I have found that this has helped my shoulder
and back joints (Started on Morgan Creek) and my back concerning the T10, T12 (Looking Glass Falls), C-4,(Hammer Factor, Narrows of the Green at 250% flow) L-3, and L-4 (Numerous drops on Rocks) were I have occurred damage.
I found this Stuff after reading an article in Backpacker magazine. It is the only Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate based product that is FDA approved. Taking this
and drinking a lot water has helped my joints.
I
only want to post what I know that works for me. I’m not a doctor but I did sleep a Holiday Inn last night. I stated
that because awhile back I got into an email war, with this Goober on the AL Forum stating I didn’t know, shouldn’t
post, etc. Come to find out it was a failed Pre-Med major working for a vet, who is a flat water goober to boot. I will say
it again I’m only posting what has worked for me…not you…...
Cosamin
DS 210 capsules from Nutramax. Each capsule contains
Glucosamine HCL
99+% 500mg, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate 95%/Mixed Glycosaminoglycans
5% 400mg, Ascorbate (manganese ascorbate) 66mg, and Manganese (ascorbate) 10mg.
Joints and Articular Cartilage
“Optimal functioning of the skeletal joints (knees,
wrists, elbows, fingers, toes, hips, shoulders, neck and back) dramatically affects our mobility and dexterity-especially
as we age. This, in turn, dictates not only the level of athletic activity a person can enjoy, but can even affect the performance
of such routine daily functions as turning a door knob or removing a lid from a container. Articular cartilage plays an important
role in optimal joint function by providing a smooth, low friction surface between articulating bone ends while transmitting
load forces to the underlying bone
One of
the remarkable functions of articular cartilage is its ability to replenish its major components in response to the forces
placed on it. Cartilage consists of cells called chondrocytes which synthesize and deposit around themselves a matrix of giant
molecules. This extra-cellular matrix of immense molecules made by chondrocytes gives cartilage its properties of resilience
and tensile strength. The matrix consists of collagen and proteoglycans. Collagen, a tough ropy protein that physically connects
the tissues, provides the tensile strength of cartilage. Proteoglycans consist mainly of hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans
(GAGs). The water-structuring properties of the proteoglycans provide the compressive resilience of cartilage.
In
response to increased mechanical forces the constant and ongoing synthesiaing process often generates extremely large demands
for building blocks of collagen and proteoglycans with production requirements doubling or tripling over normal amounts. If
the raw materials (nutrients) for these building blocks are not available in the amounts required, the synthesizing process
is impaired and the cartilage loses its ability to replenish itself. Cosamin provides the raw materials that are essential
for the synthesis of synovial fluid and the complete cartilage matrix including collagen, hyluronic acid and the various modified
sugar chains of the glycosaminoglycans. Unlike steroids and NSAID's which can damage chondrocytes, Cosamin in not a drug;
it is a true nutraceutical with outstanding safety.
Results using Cosamin DS Timeframe?
Since Cosamin
provides nutrients, changes may occur more slowly than would be expected with drug compounds. The recommended initial administration
period is four to six weeks. You should notice changes in three to four weeks. If after six weeks you find no improvement,
stop taking the medication. Studies have shown most patients will see an improvement, and if not other routes of treatment
are needed.”
Chondroitin Sulfate:
Chondroitin Sulfate is contained in Cosamin DS and can be an alternative to taking a NSAID (like Vioxx, Motrin,
Naprosyn, etc.) medicine. This will let the body heal by reducing inflammation. It has helped me,
but is seems Cosamin DS helps me more in keeping the joints happy and lubed than more for inflammation
reduction. More of an 80-20 thing.
Chiropractic Care for my back:
I have found that Chiropractic care has
given me great improvement for my
Spinal injuries. It may not be for everyone. It seems scary the first time, but once you start feeling relief, you are
like a ” crack” addict after the treatments. My
Codeine intake has stopped and I am gaining flexibility. I have found great improvement in my C-4 and T-10 and T-12.
I am slowly starting to see improvement in my lower back with the L’ series.
It beats the knife or drugs that make you loopie any day. Before long I hope to finally touch my toes. I put it off
for years and now regret not going sooner.
It would have kept me loose for the bigger drops and slots.
Creekin Injury Resume:
The only reason I am posting this is for
young gun who wants to be a Up and coming creeker. I regret none of the injuries, but word to the wise my brother.
Everyone in my group had a resume and threw a rock like a little girl due
to their shoulder damage, and that was just one on their list. I will always think of Justin Howard who showed us his X-ray
after breaking his back on running Stairway to Heaven on Bear Creek, half of his T-10 vaporized ( the missing material looked like a sideways triangle in the film) when he landed and like the
rest of us he kept on creekin’.
One other note the gear today is a lot better; we started with no elbow pads when the Creeking Avenue
exploded on the scene.
For instance, I don’t even boat the Ocoee without elbow pads now.
Imagine using Yakima footbraces, small cockpits, a 90 degree
paddle, and an ACE helmet running creeks today.
Here’s my list:
2ea Concussions
Numerous Contusions
1ea Fractured wrist
6 plus Separated Right Shoulder injuries (They come more often after the first one)
Bone chips both elbows (Pre Elbow Pads)
Fractured C-4
Fractured T-10 now with Bone Spurs
Fractured T-12 now with Bone Spurs
Fractured L-4
Fractured L-5
3 ea Cracked Ribs (deck lids are much better today)
Broken Ear Cartridge (Ocoee so it doesn’t count)
Slight separated knee, (portaging) brace for 12 plus weeks
4 ea? Sprained ankles (pre bulkhead days) walking is over –rated, makes you run stuff
you normally would walk.
20 plus stitches/butterfly numerous cuts/rapids
Legs pinched/trapped between 2 shuttle vehicles on an Allen Creek Class V Shuttle, walking is not over-rated. Brian Collins and Jim Little once again
thank you for your help that long night.
Like I stated before I regret none of it for the memories I have good and bad, I will have stories when on the porch
sitting in my rocker, telling my stories over for the umpteenth time. “ I EVER TELL YA ‘BOUT
OUR FIRST DESCENT RUN ON LITTLE HOOT OWL BRANCH?” ….. YES!!!!!!WELL IT HAD
BEEN RAININ’ FOR A MONTH……….HEY WHERE YOU GOIN’?!?!?”
