Comments on: Recovering from a Type-V AC Separation Without Surgery http://outsideforever.com/in-between-trips/recovering-from-a-type-v-ac-separation-without-surgery/ Follow Dave and Michelle as they bike tour, hike, and sea kayak in their quest to be outside forever. Includes tips, gear reviews and great stories. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:31:34 +0000 hourly 1 By: Ranger http://outsideforever.com/in-between-trips/recovering-from-a-type-v-ac-separation-without-surgery/comment-page-2/#comment-35060 Ranger Sat, 24 Dec 2011 06:16:10 +0000 http://outsideforever.com/?p=444#comment-35060 I never mentioned my dabbling with dry-needling. My PT dry-needled the heck out of me as well as the usual therapies. It is like accupuncture. I believe this helped distibute alot of the "healing juies" that were in my shoulder pre and post-op. This went on for the 30 days after surgery , but before Physical Therapy. When I started actual PT he performed it only a few times then we phased it out. During the first month he letme take some needles home. I had my wife perform this daily or when I didnt ake the drive to see him. The thinking behind the process is sound. Create micro trauma around the ac joint and the existing "healing juices" already available can shunt to the ac or other surrounding structures also in need of healing. My 2 cents. Good Luck to you all. I never mentioned my dabbling with dry-needling. My PT dry-needled the heck out of me as well as the usual therapies. It is like accupuncture. I believe this helped distibute alot of the “healing juies” that were in my shoulder pre and post-op. This went on for the 30 days after surgery , but before Physical Therapy. When I started actual PT he performed it only a few times then we phased it out. During the first month he letme take some needles home. I had my wife perform this daily or when I didnt ake the drive to see him. The thinking behind the process is sound. Create micro trauma around the ac joint and the existing “healing juices” already available can shunt to the ac or other surrounding structures also in need of healing. My 2 cents. Good Luck to you all.

]]> By: Ranger http://outsideforever.com/in-between-trips/recovering-from-a-type-v-ac-separation-without-surgery/comment-page-2/#comment-35059 Ranger Sat, 24 Dec 2011 06:09:41 +0000 http://outsideforever.com/?p=444#comment-35059 100% ROM back. Strength at about 75%. Doesn't feel like old shoulder or arm but improviing at am impressive rate. i am back in the gym doing crossfit at lesser weight and speed. Definetely farther along than imagined. I am now able to do 20 push-ups 9at a time) and chin-ups (15) with a less assisted band. I am lifting the 45lb bar over my head. The more I stretch and work-out the less my arm is stiff and sore at nite and upon waking. Basically my pec minor and serratus muscles as well as some of the rotator cuff structures were a bit retracted and have to be continually stretched to original length. Also the more I strengthen my rotator cuff, pec (minor) and seratus muscles with tubing the better my overall condition becomes. I can throw a baseball to my son with no problem, although it isnt at the highest orginal speed. Conduct tubng drills and let your physical therapist stretch and work you with dedication on your part. Lotion is the motion then strength. Get and stay motivated. 100% ROM back. Strength at about 75%. Doesn’t feel like old shoulder or arm but improviing at am impressive rate. i am back in the gym doing crossfit at lesser weight and speed. Definetely farther along than imagined. I am now able to do 20 push-ups 9at a time) and chin-ups (15) with a less assisted band. I am lifting the 45lb bar over my head. The more I stretch and work-out the less my arm is stiff and sore at nite and upon waking. Basically my pec minor and serratus muscles as well as some of the rotator cuff structures were a bit retracted and have to be continually stretched to original length. Also the more I strengthen my rotator cuff, pec (minor) and seratus muscles with tubing the better my overall condition becomes. I can throw a baseball to my son with no problem, although it isnt at the highest orginal speed. Conduct tubng drills and let your physical therapist stretch and work you with dedication on your part. Lotion is the motion then strength. Get and stay motivated.

]]> By: jon http://outsideforever.com/in-between-trips/recovering-from-a-type-v-ac-separation-without-surgery/comment-page-2/#comment-34973 jon Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:08:42 +0000 http://outsideforever.com/?p=444#comment-34973 Post OP, 2 years 8 month from surgery for Type 5 AC seperation. 85% range of motion returned 85% strenght. Still can't throw a ball properly. Gets sore on rainy days. Clicking of joints still present. Shoulder never felt right after the surgery. My outlook isn't very optimistic about it getting to a completely comfortable position. Post OP, 2 years 8 month from surgery for Type 5 AC seperation. 85% range of motion returned 85% strenght. Still can’t throw a ball properly. Gets sore on rainy days. Clicking of joints still present. Shoulder never felt right after the surgery. My outlook isn’t very optimistic about it getting to a completely comfortable position.

]]> By: Ranger http://outsideforever.com/in-between-trips/recovering-from-a-type-v-ac-separation-without-surgery/comment-page-2/#comment-34816 Ranger Sun, 11 Dec 2011 04:38:06 +0000 http://outsideforever.com/?p=444#comment-34816 Type 5 right ac separation more than 2 months post op. 95% range of motion back. Muscle memory coming back. Still weak but coming on strong day by day. Can do assisted push ups and highly assisted chin ups. Definetely go with the surgical route (for me anyway.) I believe you have to be patient, take it slow and have had some sort of fitness before injury or become health and fitness minded after. You need a good Physical Therapist. You need to be highly motivated and have self control (to not start deadlifting or do something stupid right off the bat.) You also need the right surgeon. Twin tail by arthrex rocks. Type 5 right ac separation more than 2 months post op. 95% range of motion back. Muscle memory coming back. Still weak but coming on strong day by day. Can do assisted push ups and highly assisted chin ups. Definetely go with the surgical route (for me anyway.) I believe you have to be patient, take it slow and have had some sort of fitness before injury or become health and fitness minded after. You need a good Physical Therapist. You need to be highly motivated and have self control (to not start deadlifting or do something stupid right off the bat.) You also need the right surgeon. Twin tail by arthrex rocks.

]]> By: Ranger http://outsideforever.com/in-between-trips/recovering-from-a-type-v-ac-separation-without-surgery/comment-page-2/#comment-34314 Ranger Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:13:07 +0000 http://outsideforever.com/?p=444#comment-34314 Just got my right arm out the sling today. Xrays showed right ac reduction and twin tail still holding up and looking good. I just have a stiff arm with loss of range of motion as well as loss of strength. Have been super conservative since surgery and havent done anything stupid. All advice to others in similar situation: take it slow. Just got my right arm out the sling today. Xrays showed right ac reduction and twin tail still holding up and looking good. I just have a stiff arm with loss of range of motion as well as loss of strength. Have been super conservative since surgery and havent done anything stupid. All advice to others in similar situation: take it slow.

]]> By: Dave http://outsideforever.com/in-between-trips/recovering-from-a-type-v-ac-separation-without-surgery/comment-page-2/#comment-34108 Dave Sat, 12 Nov 2011 17:14:12 +0000 http://outsideforever.com/?p=444#comment-34108 Have a Type-III rt. shoulder separation, broken left hand, and fractured rib from cycling fall 3 weeks ago. At this time, following Drs. suggestion to attempt rehab first - till left hand is healed. I need one usable hand! I'm 65YOA and have biked 10 - 40 miles almost daily the past 30+ years, skied 100+ days/yr, and am now using ellipitcal to maintain cardio. I eat a high protein diet and take an aspirin daily after aortic valve replacement 2 years ago. ( That pain and recovery was easier than this so far!)I'd like any info. on any vitamin supplements that might help to recover. Have a Type-III rt. shoulder separation, broken left hand, and fractured rib from cycling fall 3 weeks ago. At this time, following Drs. suggestion to attempt rehab first – till left hand is healed. I need one usable hand! I’m 65YOA and have biked 10 – 40 miles almost daily the past 30+ years, skied 100+ days/yr, and am now using ellipitcal to maintain cardio. I eat a high protein diet and take an aspirin daily after aortic valve replacement 2 years ago. ( That pain and recovery was easier than this so far!)I’d like any info. on any vitamin supplements that might help to recover.

]]> By: Ranger http://outsideforever.com/in-between-trips/recovering-from-a-type-v-ac-separation-without-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-33917 Ranger Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:11:58 +0000 http://outsideforever.com/?p=444#comment-33917 CHECK OUT THIS GUY TALKING ABOUT HIS SPECTACULAR RECOVERY WITH HIS TYPE V INJURY: http://journal.crossfit.com/2011/11/skipchampman.tpl#featureArticleTitle CHECK OUT THIS GUY TALKING ABOUT HIS SPECTACULAR RECOVERY WITH HIS TYPE V INJURY:

http://journal.crossfit.com/2011/11/skipchampman.tpl#featureArticleTitle

]]> By: Ranger http://outsideforever.com/in-between-trips/recovering-from-a-type-v-ac-separation-without-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-33560 Ranger Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:46:53 +0000 http://outsideforever.com/?p=444#comment-33560 HAD MY SURGERY 6OCT FOR MY TYPE V AFTER BEING THROWN FROM MOTOTCYCLE. EVERYTHING WENT WELL. I AM AN ARMY PA-C SO GETTING THE SURGERY WAS A NO-BRAINER FOR ME. ESPECIALLY SINCE MY CLAVICULAR-ACROMIO DISPLACEMENT WAS >200%. NON-SURGICAL SEEMS TO WORK OUT IN THE END BUT I REALLY WANTED MY RIGHT WING BACK IN ITS CORRECT ANATOMICAL POSITION. I READ INTO THE MEDICAL LITERATURE AND FOUND THAT PATIENTS EXPERIENCE SOME FORM OF FATIGUE IN THE EFFECTED UPPER LIMB. I ALSO DIDNT SEE ANY WAY MY RIGHT ARM AND SCAPULA COULD EVER MIGRATE UP TO ALIGN ANATOMICALLY. SO I HAD THE ARTHREX TWIN TAIL TIGHT ROPE PLACED IN. I KNOW THE ORTHOPOD SO WE WORKED TOGETHER AS I SEARCHED THE DATA LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT SOLUTION. THERE IS A 40% FAILURE RATE WITH THESE PROCEDURES. THE KEY IS TO KEEP YOUR ARM IN THE SLING WITH GRAVITY BEING THE ENEMY. AFTER APPROX 6 WEEKS ALL THE TORN MUSCULATURE AND LIGAMENTS SHOULD BE WELL SCARRED IN. DURING THE 6-8 WK PERIOD OF POST-OP SHOULD BE NO PT, ESP IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. IT IS BETTER TO HAVE A STIFF ARM AND NOT DEEMED A FAILURE THAN THE REVERSE. I SAW THE POST OP XRAYS AND EVERYTHING LOOKED WELL AND ANATOMICALLY ALIGNED. MY AC ARTICULAR DISC WAS TRASHED BUT HE MANAGED TO REDUCE THE AC JOINT BACK TO NORMAL. PAIN WAS IMMENSE THE FIRST 4 DAYS POST-OP. I ATE PLENTY OF NARCS. I COULDNT BEAR THE NAUSEA AND HIGH-FEELING SO I STOPPED TAKING THE MEDS AN PUSHED THROUGH THE PAIN TILL I GOT USED TO IT AND THE PAIN SUBSIDED. I TOOK TYLENOL 1000MG. STUDIES SHOW THAT TYLENOL AT THAT DOSE IS ALMOST AS THERAPEUTIC AS NARCS. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS YOU CANT TAKE MORE THAN 4000MG IN A 24HR PERIOD. I HAVE AN OCCAISONAL PAIN UNDER THE SURGICAL SITE. I SLEEP EITHER SITTING UP OR LAYING DOWN. THE ONLY DISCOMFORT IS THE STIFFNESS OF MY ARM. I DO NOT SLEEP IN THE SLING BUT WITH MY ARM ON TOP OF A PILLOW. I DONT SMOKE. SO IF YOU ARE A SMOKER WITH THIS INJURY I URGE YOU TO QUIT OR YOU WILL HAVE A LONGER RECOVERY (EVEN SMOKLESS.) TOBACCO IS A VASOCONSTRICTOR. I AM DOING ALL MY SMALL RANGE OF MOTION EXCERCISE IN THE LAYING POSITION SUCH AS THE CODMANS. WHEN IN THE LAYING POSITION GRAVITY DOES NOT EXERT ITS AFFECTS ON THE TWIN TAIL. BUT MINIMAL PT THOUGH. THE SURGERY WAS FREE FOR ME. I AM ACTIVE DUTY BUT I BELEIVE IT CAN RUN INTO THE 5K PLUS GIVE OR TAKE A FEW. SO THE WHOLE GOAL IS TO HAVE ME REDUCED FROM A GRADE V TO A GRADE III. IF MICHELLE CAN RECOVER BACK TO NORMAL WITH A NON-SURGICAL TYPE V THEN I AM CONFIDENT I CAN RECOVER WITH A SURGICAL TYPE V REDUCED TO A TYPE III. IF ANYONE HAS A SITE I CAN UPLOAD DOCUMENTS ONTO (FOR OTHERS TO DOWNLOAD) I HAVE A TON OF PHYSICAL THERAPY STUFF ON PDF. THERE IS ALMOST ZERO ONLINE. THERE IS NOT MUCH ON THE SUBJECT PERIOD EXCEPT THESE FORUMS. THE MEDICAL LITERATURE IS NOT THAT ROBUST EITHER. IF YOU ARE A TYPE III OR V AND HAVE SEEN SIGNIFICANT TIME SINCE INJURY, PLEASE POST HOW WELL OR NOT YOUR ACTIVITIES HAVE FARED ALONG WITH RANGE OF MOTION AND USE. HAD MY SURGERY 6OCT FOR MY TYPE V AFTER BEING THROWN FROM MOTOTCYCLE. EVERYTHING WENT WELL. I AM AN ARMY PA-C SO GETTING THE SURGERY WAS A NO-BRAINER FOR ME. ESPECIALLY SINCE MY CLAVICULAR-ACROMIO DISPLACEMENT WAS >200%. NON-SURGICAL SEEMS TO WORK OUT IN THE END BUT I REALLY WANTED MY RIGHT WING BACK IN ITS CORRECT ANATOMICAL POSITION. I READ INTO THE MEDICAL LITERATURE AND FOUND THAT PATIENTS EXPERIENCE SOME FORM OF FATIGUE IN THE EFFECTED UPPER LIMB. I ALSO DIDNT SEE ANY WAY MY RIGHT ARM AND SCAPULA COULD EVER MIGRATE UP TO ALIGN ANATOMICALLY. SO I HAD THE ARTHREX TWIN TAIL TIGHT ROPE PLACED IN. I KNOW THE ORTHOPOD SO WE WORKED TOGETHER AS I SEARCHED THE DATA LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT SOLUTION. THERE IS A 40% FAILURE RATE WITH THESE PROCEDURES. THE KEY IS TO KEEP YOUR ARM IN THE SLING WITH GRAVITY BEING THE ENEMY. AFTER APPROX 6 WEEKS ALL THE TORN MUSCULATURE AND LIGAMENTS SHOULD BE WELL SCARRED IN. DURING THE 6-8 WK PERIOD OF POST-OP SHOULD BE NO PT, ESP IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. IT IS BETTER TO HAVE A STIFF ARM AND NOT DEEMED A FAILURE THAN THE REVERSE. I SAW THE POST OP XRAYS AND EVERYTHING LOOKED WELL AND ANATOMICALLY ALIGNED. MY AC ARTICULAR DISC WAS TRASHED BUT HE MANAGED TO REDUCE THE AC JOINT BACK TO NORMAL. PAIN WAS IMMENSE THE FIRST 4 DAYS POST-OP. I ATE PLENTY OF NARCS. I COULDNT BEAR THE NAUSEA AND HIGH-FEELING SO I STOPPED TAKING THE MEDS AN PUSHED THROUGH THE PAIN TILL I GOT USED TO IT AND THE PAIN SUBSIDED. I TOOK TYLENOL 1000MG. STUDIES SHOW THAT TYLENOL AT THAT DOSE IS ALMOST AS THERAPEUTIC AS NARCS. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS YOU CANT TAKE MORE THAN 4000MG IN A 24HR PERIOD. I HAVE AN OCCAISONAL PAIN UNDER THE SURGICAL SITE. I SLEEP EITHER SITTING UP OR LAYING DOWN. THE ONLY DISCOMFORT IS THE STIFFNESS OF MY ARM. I DO NOT SLEEP IN THE SLING BUT WITH MY ARM ON TOP OF A PILLOW. I DONT SMOKE. SO IF YOU ARE A SMOKER WITH THIS INJURY I URGE YOU TO QUIT OR YOU WILL HAVE A LONGER RECOVERY (EVEN SMOKLESS.) TOBACCO IS A VASOCONSTRICTOR. I AM DOING ALL MY SMALL RANGE OF MOTION EXCERCISE IN THE LAYING POSITION SUCH AS THE CODMANS. WHEN IN THE LAYING POSITION GRAVITY DOES NOT EXERT ITS AFFECTS ON THE TWIN TAIL. BUT MINIMAL PT THOUGH. THE SURGERY WAS FREE FOR ME. I AM ACTIVE DUTY BUT I BELEIVE IT CAN RUN INTO THE 5K PLUS GIVE OR TAKE A FEW. SO THE WHOLE GOAL IS TO HAVE ME REDUCED FROM A GRADE V TO A GRADE III. IF MICHELLE CAN RECOVER BACK TO NORMAL WITH A NON-SURGICAL TYPE V THEN I AM CONFIDENT I CAN RECOVER WITH A SURGICAL TYPE V REDUCED TO A TYPE III. IF ANYONE HAS A SITE I CAN UPLOAD DOCUMENTS ONTO (FOR OTHERS TO DOWNLOAD) I HAVE A TON OF PHYSICAL THERAPY STUFF ON PDF. THERE IS ALMOST ZERO ONLINE. THERE IS NOT MUCH ON THE SUBJECT PERIOD EXCEPT THESE FORUMS. THE MEDICAL LITERATURE IS NOT THAT ROBUST EITHER. IF YOU ARE A TYPE III OR V AND HAVE SEEN SIGNIFICANT TIME SINCE INJURY, PLEASE POST HOW WELL OR NOT YOUR ACTIVITIES HAVE FARED ALONG WITH RANGE OF MOTION AND USE.

]]> By: Lori http://outsideforever.com/in-between-trips/recovering-from-a-type-v-ac-separation-without-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-33509 Lori Sat, 15 Oct 2011 22:46:50 +0000 http://outsideforever.com/?p=444#comment-33509 Joe, or anyone who has had the surgery: Do you have any idea what the cost of this corrective surgery is? Joe, or anyone who has had the surgery: Do you have any idea what the cost of this corrective surgery is?

]]> By: Joe http://outsideforever.com/in-between-trips/recovering-from-a-type-v-ac-separation-without-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-33476 Joe Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:13:01 +0000 http://outsideforever.com/?p=444#comment-33476 Well here is another update for me. I have been out of sling for three weeks now, and have been doing well, the weirdest part of the whole deal is feeling the bump when i am laying down on a flat surface, the bone really pokes forward, and feels a little pointy. The skin near the inscision is very odd and uncomfortable, but it will take 9-12 months to decide wether or not there is an issue as nerves rebuild. Other than that the bump has increased slightly since surgery (Dr Getz said that it would be normal) and my range of motion is nearly completely returned and i think in a couple instances may even be better than the non-injured shoulder. I get some aches at the end of a day, but it is more than manageable, and i am slowly working through PT including exercises at home. i am getting more and more active, and going farther than my dr's instructions, but it has been told to me that i havent done any real new damage unless i lose range of motion, so far i havent though i am scared of how sore it gets some days. I have a pretty sweet surgery scar and am still very happy i went through with the surgery. i began drivins stick shift again finally. should be able to start running again in 4 more weeks, and swimming in 8. with my surgery, i was operated on 13 days post injury so my recovery is a bit different since all the dr did inside was replace my should height, and suture the ligaments back together. the body absorbed the sutures, and outside of one scay pop, the first six weeks are fairly drama free. then pt started. currently my shoulder is extremely stabel, some small clicks, cracks and pops but thats due to muscles still being weak. I had a lot of range of motion back by the day i went under the knife, but sitting here now, with how small the bump is, and how far and quickly i have come back from therapy, i am quite happy. i will update again as i go further and would be happy to reccomend a dr, PT center, as well as discuss in more detail my road so far. Well here is another update for me. I have been out of sling for three weeks now, and have been doing well, the weirdest part of the whole deal is feeling the bump when i am laying down on a flat surface, the bone really pokes forward, and feels a little pointy. The skin near the inscision is very odd and uncomfortable, but it will take 9-12 months to decide wether or not there is an issue as nerves rebuild. Other than that the bump has increased slightly since surgery (Dr Getz said that it would be normal) and my range of motion is nearly completely returned and i think in a couple instances may even be better than the non-injured shoulder. I get some aches at the end of a day, but it is more than manageable, and i am slowly working through PT including exercises at home. i am getting more and more active, and going farther than my dr’s instructions, but it has been told to me that i havent done any real new damage unless i lose range of motion, so far i havent though i am scared of how sore it gets some days. I have a pretty sweet surgery scar and am still very happy i went through with the surgery. i began drivins stick shift again finally. should be able to start running again in 4 more weeks, and swimming in 8. with my surgery, i was operated on 13 days post injury so my recovery is a bit different since all the dr did inside was replace my should height, and suture the ligaments back together. the body absorbed the sutures, and outside of one scay pop, the first six weeks are fairly drama free. then pt started.

currently my shoulder is extremely stabel, some small clicks, cracks and pops but thats due to muscles still being weak. I had a lot of range of motion back by the day i went under the knife, but sitting here now, with how small the bump is, and how far and quickly i have come back from therapy, i am quite happy. i will update again as i go further and would be happy to reccomend a dr, PT center, as well as discuss in more detail my road so far.

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