How much can jogging affect the healing of a shoulder injury?

July 2, 2008 10:42 AM

How much can jogging affect the healing of a shoulder injury?

Hi all.. I've recently started jogging, and was really pleased after a few weeks to be able to go 8kms non-stop. Good momentum, and I've been sleeping better,my confidence is boosted, and stress is down. (and I really need those these days being suddenly single).

I accedently tripped and popped my shoulder out a few days ago. It was the third time it's come out, and physio just wasn't enough to stabilize it. A barrage of tests yesterday revealed a chipped shoulder joint, and a decent bankart leasion . I have an appointment with a surgion in a couple of weeks, and am looking at surgery this fall.

anyway, right now my arm is in a sling, and the torn muscles need to heal.
I can't wait to jog again.
I get the feeling that jogging is a lot more arm-intensive then it would appear.. bouncing, swinging.. all that might be a hidden for healing rotator cuffs.

Thoughts on the matter?

posted by upc_head to health & fitness (6 comments total)

It can fuck up your shoulder really bad. Don't do it. Use a stationary bike or something like that for your cardio.
posted by matteo at 11:05 AM on July 2, 2008

When I don't keep my hands, arms, shoulders loose during a run I get intense pain in my shoulders. They were absorbing every hit of every footstep. Now even when I remember to keep my arms loose I can still feel some stress in my shoulders. I understand that you want to keep running, it is very addictive and a great form of exercise, BUT I wouldn't risk hurting yourself over it.

Good luck.
posted by collocation at 11:32 AM on July 2, 2008

When I jog and swim on the same days, my shoulder *crick*s on every downhill. (the swimming loosens up all the tendons that keep the shoulder tight.) Anecdotal evidence that if your should needs to be immobilized, you oughtn't run.
posted by notsnot at 11:43 AM on July 2, 2008

Yeah, yeah, WANAD, but I would think it was weigh on your shoulder heavily. When you hit the ground, you do it was a great deal of force. Heck, you may find out that you can't run at your general pace anyway.

Why not call your orthopedic and ask? I think you know the answer, though. :-(
posted by tcv at 11:57 AM on July 2, 2008

Honestly, all great answers. Thanks so much for your feedback.
posted by upc_head at 12:25 PM on July 2, 2008

I experienced an identical situation last summer: a shoulder dislocation/Bankart lesion that required arthroscopic surgery to reattach the labrum, coupled with a strong desire to keep running. The other posters are correct: if in doubt, don't run, and only do so once cleared by your doctors. Running indeed can delay recovery from this injury.

My injury took place last August. I was able to run without undue pain, discomfort or risking additional damage to the shoulder after about a month. The important caveat is that I cleared this schedule with my orthopedic surgeon.

After my surgery in early November, I was unable to resume running for about 2.5 months. I began again in late January and actually completed a marathon in mid-May.

I hasten to state again that my post-op activities were under the supervision of both a physical therapist and my orthopedic surgeon, who both strictly regulated my recovery. You'll find the 8-10 weeks after the surgery very difficult for even routine activities. I was eased into running, too, and did not begin intensive running until March.

Good luck with your recovery.
posted by cheapskatebay at 1:47 PM on July 2, 2008