MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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Hi Guys,
I went to a physio yesterday after having over 15 dislocates in the space of a couple of months in my right arm and we've diagnosed the problem and going to try a 12 week course to see if I can tighten it back up again.. however in this time I'll be doing downhilling as I live in Morzine and the seasons just started so he said riding with a brace would be ok as long as I do my workouts.
I've been looking at the EVS SB03 but hearing contradicting things about sizing - has anyone used this brace?
I'd get it on CRC but my suggested size (medium) is out of stock for a month and everyone else will charge for returns / if its been worn (not sure if I have to rip the packaging ect..)
Also any suggestions on the thinnest top / vest I could wear under it so it doesn't stick to me and rub would be appreciated.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=53450&fb_source=message
Sorry can't help about the brace but good luck with the shoulder. I had a re-occuring dislocation in my right shoulder a few years back. It used to come out in my sleep it was that loose. My advice would be definitely do the exercises, they're boring but do them. They will help, plus physios get a bit pissed off if you don't try.
I've had the bankart repair and its been really good since, but before the operation I went through a load of exercises to get it ready for a climbing trip which was successful. It was the unusual things that used to make it pop out. Learn to tuck and roll if you come off your bike!
Thanks Jim
I hope the exercises work - I should have really done them a lot sooner as over the years including breaking my collarbone on that side I've probably had about 50 sizeable crashes straight onto that shoulder!
Mine pops out climbing when I try to grab anything above shoulder height with 4 fingers - jugs are fine... which is a shame as I'm well into climbing but sounds like I'm going to have to stick to 5's all summer now!
If I hold my arms up to the side so my upper arm goes straight out from my shoulder and then my elbow is bent 90 degrees with my hand rotating backwards thats when it pops out the worst - think I'll also do the exercises on the other arm to try and keep that protected also!
How long did it take to come back from your op please?
I have the 661 shoulder brace:
I ordered the EV03 from chain reaction thinking that it looked a little better but the one they sent was the same as the 661 one.
It is a little hot to wear and can be a pain to put on - requiring someone else to help, as you can't get enough tension on the straps on your own.
I never use it now but might in future if unlucky (touching wood now).
If you are near Surrey you could try it for sizing.
In terms of exercises for your shoulders I have found that my 2 week holidays to an island called Biyadhoo in the Maldives have been fantastic (cost about £1700-2000 pp all-inclusive which is pretty good).
I swim round the island every other day using an elongated breaststroke with my arms and no leg movement (fins on in case of strong tides).
Takes about 1.5 hours and two weeks worth of swims is at least 20000 strokes, but there are lots of fish to look at, and some rays/turtles.
Really bulks up and tones the muscles - a lot more effective than when I was religiously using swiss balls and the gym.
Sounds like they sent you the EV02?
I'm mostly gutted about the comfort of the thing as riding in Morzine is hot anyway so hopefully its not too bad.
Did you wear any sort of breathable top under it so it didnt rub you?
The outdoor pool is open now so I'll be getting in that every morning anyway well at least until the lake is warm enough at 7am
I don't wear it now and I only wore it for a short while to work instead of a sling after I broke my collarbone and had a hooked plate put in.
I now wear the 661 subgear vests and some Endura tops which seem to be cut for it.
If coming off the bike I try to keep holding the grips to encourage me to start a roll. Doesn't work so well if falling off my folding bike as their steering is so twitchy - both times I have sustained a shoulder injury has been coming off it 🙁
Maybe the 661 core saver pads are worth looking at - they may not be any hotter as the shoulder brace is figure hugging neoprene.
Not a big fan of wearing much on my chest I have to admit. I've just ordered the brace so I'll see what it's comfort levels are like - need something to really push back hard on the socket so it doesnt pop forward and out
thanks for the advice
I can't remember exactly but it would have probably been about 6 months and then taking it slow to get back into climbing. I did opt for the open surgery option though as at the time it had slightly better statistics than the keyhole operation, this might be different now.
I now climb just as hard as I did before. The movement you describe is the most unstable position of the shoulder I think, and even now after the repair I am very aware of that position, actively avoiding having to apply pressure on the arm in that position if possible.
I'm glad I've had the operation and I'm confident in its strength so all good.