Separated SHOULDER!
Sprained Shoulder MY ASSS! So it’s been about a week of trying to move my arm and looking in the mirror seeing my left shoulder higher than my right was starting to freak me out. The positive in all this is that I was at least working during the injury so Worker’s Comp is paying for my medical. Thank the almighty mighty cause like most dancers, I do not currently possess health insurance. Go figure.
After beginning to understand how all this WC stuff works, I finally received approval to see a specialist. I just got back from Dr. Limpisvasti’s office at Kerlan Jobe Orthopedics. After a thorough examination of my shoulder including a series of pain inducing movements, he decided on some new x-rays.
Turns out I have a Type II separated shoulder aka AC Joint Separation. Let me explain for those who don’t know cause I sure as hell didn’t:
First off this is NOT a “dislocated shoulder.” AND thank goodness it ain’t cause that shit causes real problems down the road in my line of work. The dislocation is when the ball comes out of the socket. That did not happen phewwwww. In my case the joint that connects the clavicle (collar bone) to the acromion (scapula/shoulder blade) known as the acromioclavicular joint or AC Joint separates when the coracoclavicular ligament partially or fully tears. Was that a run on sentence? Some pics for your viewing pleasure:
What my x-ray was similar to:
Separations are apparently quite frequent among athletes and just common falls. Type III and up means surgery and Type I and II usually prescribe 6 weeks of physical therapy to pull the bone back in to place. Yes my bone is out of place and I can literally push it down and it kinda scoots back on up. Hopefully, that sucker will get it’s ass back into place so I can get back to gymnastics asap. At this point, I’d be happy just being able to sleep at night without waking up as I roll onto my shoulder. I’ll keep posting on my recovery since I know you thousands upon thousands of people out there that read my blog are dying to know when I’ll be back dancing again!! (-;
I literally had no idea that there was even a joint there. I thought that particular area was more “fused.” If you would like to read more here are a couple quick and informative articles on just what the hell a separated shoulder be:
about.com
and a more in-depth looks:
http://musculoskeletalmri.blogspot.com/2008/05/separated-shoulder.html
http://www.silverorthopedic.com/KB.php?link=KB/Shoulders/Analyzing_Shoulder_Problems.html