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Approx 3 months ago my shoulder confronted a tree and separated , still sore ,tight and grinds on movement , when can i expect signs of recovery .
Currently managing to ride fireroads , trying the odd trail but sharp shooting pains are delaying me moving on to more aggressive stuff .
What grade?
I had a Grade 2 and it was a lot less than three months - but I was living in China at the time, and they shot me up with a horse doctor sized hypo of steroids directly into the injury, which hurt like a mofo but produced near miraculous results within days. Not sure this would be recommended NHS procedure.
Grade 3
what kind of separation? stretched? snapped, all 3 gone, or 1/3?
I had grade 3 poss 4 on one side (all 3 snapped, a bit displaced), ended up getting an operation because healing was going nowhere, that one's lovely now.
Did the other one a few years later, snapped the one at the end, other two OK. That side's still a bit clunky a few years later, sometimes a bit hurty, mostly no more than a bit of discomfort, but it doesn't stop me doing anything that I want to do.
Also, sorry. Not a fun time. 😩
Stretched , a visible lump the size of a walnut
I made a full recovery from a grade 3-4 in about 6 months. I was given the option of surgery but after asking the consultant, decided against it
I kept some fitness using a static bike, then on the road before riding off road.
If I was you, I would be asking questions of your medical professionals.
All the best for a full and timely recovery.
Still not able to sleep on that side
I had a grade 3. Back on easier xc stuff within a few weeks. Took me maybe 6 weeks to get back to any kind of stuff that might require strength. Probably 3 months until I was back riding everything I was previously.
Dave MacLeod (elite climber) has a good video about the recovery process on YouTube. From a climber's perspective but I found my recovery followed a very similar path/timeline
Have you been offered surgery? asked if you want it? I got to 3 months with less pain, but no improvements to strength or stability, couldn't really understand how it was supposed to improve with 3 significant ligaments flapping about doing nothing.
https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/separated-shoulder-recovery-time/#post-13672875
Edit: interested to see Dave McL's vid, above, I'll watch that.
Grade 3, it was 4 months before I was back on the bike so you're doing pretty well I guess?
I was pretty careful with it, did plenty of physio etc. and maybe a little over cautious - but I had no issues once I started riding again.
Road though, nothing too rough!
A mate had a grafe 4 ac joint separation/dislocation, several broken ribs and a mild concussion a few years ago after hitting a tree at a fair old pace. He was off the bike for around 6 months but after 1 short ride on the roads where he lives his 1st off road ride was at the Golfie, no issues since and he's also a keen rock climber
About three to six months for my grade 3. The plate in my wrist and two operations took longer. I didn’t have surgery and am distinctly lopsided. It also makes me more aero on the TT bike as I can now fold my shoulder in. Ten years ago now. Gives me no trouble. Until I look in the mirror.
I did mine and the consultant was keen to operate. I declined that and did all the exercises. I slightly misinterpreted his comments on working it hard so carried on building and lifting wall cupboards etc.
When I went back he was surprised by my recovery and said, no, he meant take it easy.
Anyway, it worked, I've got full movement, no pain and as a bonus a nice little bump that stops shoulder bags from slipping off.