S.O.S Save our Shoulders- PT for treeworkers

[biggun]

I have just received a tub of glc2000 to try and help rehabilitate my left shoulder. Been on and off the pain for about 2-3 years now. I have had glucosamine supplement before in varying dosages.

A couple of the pro MMA fighters at my gym have sworn by this stuff after dislocation and torn ligaments. I have the bands and have popped the first two pill and need to start on the exercises.

Muay Thai, tree climbing, skating and snowboarding have not been kind to my shoulders!

 

[SouthSoundTree-]

My shoulders have been aching lately. Back to PT.

A thera-band or two left attached to the chipper might be a good idea for the crew. I already try to tell them to stretch their muscles and be aware of things that plague tree workers, like shoulder/ elbow/ wrist stuff, particularly.

 

[Limbrat]

My right one has been giving me fits too Sean. Haven't been able to bench press at all in my workouts for about a month and a lot of saw work aloft has seemed to aggravate it even more. It seems like the motion of cutting with the hand saw bothers me the most.

 

[woodworkingboy]

I never had any shoulder problems, but my left bicep on the outside was really bothering me for a couple months, I'm sure from heavier saw use. Turning over in bed was the sh@ts. It finally went away on it's own. I think I worked more than usual and that helped it.

 

[SouthSoundTree-]

Ray, do you have a theraband? Using it is probably the cheapest insurance against shoulder problems.

 

[toyotadadon]

Im going to have to try some of this pt training and am interested in some supplements going on 3 yrs with left shoulder problems usually just rest and it goes away but yesterday while removing a tree had my hand low up against a limb went to transfer to cut a limb, slipped a bit went to brace arm extended upward and pop..dislocated. Sat there in the tree feeling like puking. Then leaned my elbow against same limb and it popped back in....didnt bother to much finished the tree. Went home and it hurts cant rotate up with out it hurting...this sux but hopefully it will pass kinda scary hopefully pt and supplements will help good info here...

 

[MasterBlaster]

Dayum!

 

[woodworkingboy]

Dislocated elbow, that can't be fun. I've done a finger, shocking to see it sticking off at a perpendicular angle, but it popped back in and not much worse for wear after, just a little sore. An elbow, no thank you!

 

[SouthSoundTree-]

go to a PT!!!!!

 

[toyotadadon]

It was my shoulder that popped out. Didnt hurt til later i do plan on going to some kinda shoulder doctor not sure what to call em would a pyschical therapist be better

 

[pantheraba]

You usually have to see an orthopedist first (ideally a sports medicine specialist that understands actually USING your body like you do) to get the shoulder diagnosed. The orthopedist then refers you to a Physical Therapist...hopefully one with a lot of good experience.

Shoulders are supposed to be one of the best joints to rehab...but you will need rest, ice and proper strengthening and stretching with PT input to hopefully avoid surgery. A good PT can truly work wonders and keep you away from the scalpel.

 

[SouthSoundTree-]

So much can be accomplished with a theraband, which is extremely portable and easy to use, if motivated.

Good posture, shoulders back, and pectoral stretching, two important parts for MY shoulder condition.

 

[Limbrat]

Ray, do you have a theraband? Using it is probably the cheapest insurance against shoulder problems.

I just caught up with this Sean. What kind of movements do you do with it?

 

[SouthSoundTree-]

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My Physical Therapist showed me a number. He did fatigue testing to see what was MY weakness. A 90 minute session. Get pro advice if you're rehabbing. Prevention might be well achieved via Youtube videos (this one is a YouTube search for "theraband exercises for impingement").

Mine were mostly External Rotation and Rowing motions at various angles. I have my PT sheet somewhere. Internal Rotation is something I've been prescribed a long time ago.

Stretching my pecs is important to help the posture that is important. Shoulders back, chest out, stand up straight, hips rolled under a bit (opposite of most people who "look like a climber").

 

[SouthSoundTree-]

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Cable machines can work, like on a home gym or commercial gym.

Therabands come in different "strengths" (color coded).

When you're rehabbing, its really about small resistance, high rep, and fatiguing the muscles.


If you're strengthening healthy muscles, I like to do isolated (only working the specific muscle or rotator cuff)exercises to fatigue, then a compound exercise (using other muscles that also work to make the movement).
---rotations, then rows.

 

[Limbrat]

Thanks a lot Sean, that is a great help. I will be incorporating that and deleting some of those others were doing damage.