CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help

Shoulder

(20 posts)
  • Started 12 years ago by amir
  • Latest reply from amir
  • This topic is resolved

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  1. amir
    Member

    Three and a bit weeks ago I fell over on slippery slabs on the way to the bike shed at work [at least the second person to do so - they still haven't sorted the problem]. I hit the protuding bits of my left side including my shoulder. Whilst the pain had subsided for a week or so but in the last few days it has begun to increase again.

    I have most difficulty in pulling things - most importantly my handlebars (very painful) but also for example the heavy fire doors at work. It also becomes uncomfortable just leaning on the handlebars after a while.

    Given that I am planning to do the challenging Ken Laidlaw sportive on Sunday (lots of handlebar pulling required), should I:

    1) see a GP
    2) go direct to a physio
    3) just rest up until the day
    4) stop moaning?

    [BTW I hope you all be pleased that I was walking to the bike shed with helmet on, thus reducing the potential for head injury ;) ]

    Posted 12 years ago #

  2. Roibeard
    Member

    I can't suggest what to do, but there is a non-NHS sports injury clinic in the Edinburgh Uni Sports Centre (Pleasance).

    You probably know that already, but in case others don't...

    I haven't used them (yet!), but colleagues have visited and found them worthwhile.

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  3. wingpig
    Member

    Is the returning pain the same as the original pain? Have you strained a postural muscle or two whilst attempting to work around the bruised landing-muscle? Are you taking ibruprofens for it already?

    "...there is a non-NHS sports injury clinic in the Edinburgh Uni Sports Centre (Pleasance)."

    Would it count as a sports injury when it wasn't incurred directly through a sporting activity even though it affects the practise thereof? Is this place just open to anyone who wanders in off the street or do you need to be rich or a current subject of the uni to get in?

    Posted 12 years ago #

  4. amir
    Member

    "Is the returning pain the same as the original pain? "
    It is similar activities that give the pain. Not sure whether it isthe same site.

    "Have you strained a postural muscle or two whilst attempting to work around the bruised landing-muscle? "
    Could be - not sure.

    "Are you taking ibruprofens for it already?"
    Put ibuprofen gel on this am. Didn't help. It's not hurting much just now sat at my desk.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  5. Roibeard
    Member

    It's the Fitness Assessment and Sports Injuries Centre (FASIC) and they are dedicated to supporting anyone who is involved in sport or exercise, from elite through to recreational, so I don't think injuries need to be obtained strictly during sports.

    So, yes, I think the man on the street can make an appointment (but not wander in!), however their website is coy about pricing.

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  6. ARobComp
    Member

    I think it's about £40 for a session at FASIC but they're keener on getting you sorted than getting you to have a return visit.
    I used them for a stress fracture and damaged hip while a student but had a busary - so didn't pay. Very good physios though.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  7. amir
    Member

    Being a bit of cheapskate, I called for a GP appointment. Unfortunately I can't get a proper one until Friday (I thought summer was the quiet time of year for GPs) but I will get a call back. May end up getting a physio anyway.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  8. Darkerside
    Member

    Used a physio for the first time recently (Hampden 'National Sports Physio Centre' or similar) and was pleasantly surprised by how useful the visit was.

    Definitely worth the £35 for some useful exercises and peace of mind.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  9. cb
    Member

    I know someone who has used FASIC a couple of times for non-"sport" related injuries and the service received was very good. Quick diagnosis, good advice for recovery etc.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  10. ExcitableBoy
    Member

    I have recently seen an NHS physio for my frozen shoulder. The waiting time is about 12 weeks, if that sways your decision.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  11. Kirst
    Member

    You can refer yourself to NHS Lothian physios using the referral form you can download from the website. Waiting times vary across different clinics - current waiting times are posted on the same bit of the website.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  12. amir
    Member

    I spoke to a GP over the phone. Her advice for now was limited - use warmth - but she made me an appointment with another GP for tomorrow. So they will also be able to look at the lump (hematoma) on my hip. My guess is that I have a rotar cuff injury of some sort.

    Subject to what the GP says, I might then see a physio. Fingers crossed that I can do the sportive on Sunday.

    Thanks for all the advice. Last time I used a local physio, who was very good, correctly diagnosing overpronation.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  13. amir
    Member

    Thanks Kirst for the tip - will investigate

    Posted 12 years ago #

  14. Kirst
    Member

    http://www.ecps.scot.nhs.uk/

    Posted 12 years ago #

  15. amir
    Member

    Ah - the midlothian version is similar.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  16. Dave
    Member

    I had shoulder surgery a few years ago and a fair amount of trouble before that.

    The bottom line is that you need to rest it and that's not happening. However you might be able to get around with a hefty dose of painkillers (I had iffy knees before I went to PBP after all).

    Ultimately you'll be prescribed rest until you can move it without pain anyway, whatever exercises they then give you to strengthen/protect the injury site.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  17. amir
    Member

    Thanks for all the advice. The doc also thought that I'd get around without doing any damage. I have a good stack of painkillers and I might need ice at the end. He encouraged me to keep in moving.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  18. remberbuck
    Member

    Just a thought, but if can bear it, you could try reversing your stem. You will look a bit less of an eat nails roadie, but the extra inch on the bars will take load off your shoulder, and you will notice the pain difference.

    FASIC usually will give an appointment the next day if you are not too fussy about exact time. I have found them reassuring, but they do tend to give standard physio answers - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation - and maybe some stretches to do. You have to go to YouTube to see how to do these though - livestrong.com is very good.

    For ice, Theraflex gel packs are much better then the famous frozen peas, They don't cost much, give a far quicker and concentrated freezing effect, and you don't have any qualms about reusing them. A soaked flannel put in the freezer is also better.

    If you can get a compression base layer then that will be the best support solution - they don't do the base layer part as well as merino, but it will help the healing.

    Finally, don't underestimate the power of the day. I once seriously considered taking a deep freeze can round on a half marathon, and it would have been a complete waste of time. The day will be fine - shame about the one after though ...

    Posted 12 years ago #

  19. Kenny
    Member

    I'd have headed down to the minor injuries clinic at the western if I'd had a similar incident. it's not too late to do that now; I've headed down 6 days after breaking something when it became clear it wasn't getting better.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  20. amir
    Member

    I was fine on the Ken Laidlaw today. The shoulder was stiff but nothing that the pills couldn't cope with. Lifted by the good company of Tom & Jackson Priest as well as Magnaton occasionally. Also I was put in my place by some poor cyclist who broke his collar bone.

    Posted 12 years ago #

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