I separated my shoulder or something in a rugby match-help!?

Question

I have done this alot before but the pain is lingering and I cant seem to get past it . my hand and arm seem tight also.

any suggestions...besides rest that is not an option.

Answer 1

First thing is see a doctor so you know exactly what is going on.  

I have problems with my shoulders and have found that the following works very well for recovery.

1) Rest (I know you say you cannot rest, but rest is relative to your normal level of activity - do less, and protect the hurt shoulder)  Epsom salt baths can help a lot too.

2) Flexibility - Gentle stretching helps, along with heat to keep it loose and healing without ending up too tight.

3) Drugs - I use naproxin sodium (Aleve) if you are in the US it is the best thing going for that kind of pain.

4) Protection - Get yourself a set of decent rugby shoulder pads. They take some of the sting out of the impact and prevent re-injury.

If you are like most of us - you lead with one shoulder when you tackle, and that shoulder is the one that keeps getting injured. Try to lead with the other shoulder for awhile - it will make you a better player while protecting the hurt side.

Answer 2

I always find that reduction of a seperated shoulder is the first step in the recovery process.

If you seriously think your shoulder is seperated (ie. dislocated, a luxation of the shoulder joint) then you should go to ER (casualty in English english) and get it put back in place.

Whatever it is, you need to go and see a doctor, and then probably a physio for a few weeks.

Answer 3

Being a rugger, you need to accept and enjoy the pain.  If you remember how you got injured, it will help you develop better technique.  To be a great rugby palyer, one needs to demonstrate precise skill to overcome the chaos.  If your skills need to be refined, the game will make it clearly obvious.  (As such in your case).  Get back to practice while you are still sore.  This is when you will develop the most.  This is beautiful nature of rugby.

Answer 4

If rest isn't an option, then i seriously doubt you have seperated your shoulder.

See a Dr and get professional medical advice.

Unfortunatly that will probably start with Rest.

Answer 5

When your shoulder stops feeling tender and the pain has stoped, i recomed to start strengthening it. What has most likely happened is that the rotator cuff muscle tendons have streched. To get back that stability and support, train those muscles. They include your Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres major, teres minor and subscapularis. In addition work on your deltoid, traps and lats. Here is a site that may help you out. http://www.bodyresults.com/E2RotatorCuff...

We just got done covering the shoulder in my athletic training class so i you would like i can help you out.

Answer 6

First off rugby shoulder pads do not help at all, i've played with and without them. All they do is give you a false sense of security. If your shoulder is hurt or weak they are not going to protect you.

What you really need to do is go to a doctor to find out what actually happened to your shoulder. From here you can ask him/her what light weight excercises you can do to re-hab/re-build muscles to prevent future injury. I invested in a couple 5 - 25 lb dumbells a couple seasons ago and haven't had a problem since. After a while when your shoulder is truely healed i recommend getting into a heavier workout program for your shoulders.

Another thing to look at is how you run tackle and pass while on the field. It can be as simple as adjusting the way you tackle someone.