Frozen Shoulder

[MelC]

Not sure this is the right spot - at least I hope if this is a "disability" it is a temporary one. I injured my shoulder in the spring in a bike accident, went to GP, went to physio, got xrays and ultrasound, waiting for appointment with shoulder specialist in November (yes, I am Canadian). Originally diagnosed with a partial thickness tear in the supraspinatus. My range of motion got worse, not better during physio which led my physiotherapist to fire me on the basis that I was clearly heading down the freezing stage of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). She told me to come back when it started to "thaw", otherwise I was just wasting my money and possibly doing more harm than good. From what I have read that seems like the right call. I am hopeful (crazy thing to hope for) that I am at or almost at "frozen" stage now. My ROM (range of motion) isn't great. About 4pm in all directions at best and no ability to reach behind me. Pain is minimal to zilch (except for soreness when lying down) unless I accidentally extend beyond this (in which case you should cover your ears because the profanity that comes out of me at that time astounds even me).

My friends and I are looking to book a dive weekend in West Palm at the end of October. I know I will still be limited at that time (frozen shoulder can take a year or more to resolve). Based on my current pain levels and ROM though I think, with some accomodation and assistance on the boat ladders and removing my gear it should be doable. I can still climb stiles when hiking and carry heavy backpacks when cycling. I can fold my arms in front of me, my typical dive pose, and West Palm is all drift diving which shouldn't require much in the way of swimming. It is my non-dominant arm. I will bring all of my safety equipment, DAN safety sausage and air horn on BCD.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Any suggestions or concerns I haven't thought about?

 

[redacted]

Not sure this is the right spot - at least I hope if this is a "disability" it is a temporary one. I injured my shoulder in the spring in a bike accident, went to GP, went to physio, got xrays and ultrasound, waiting for appointment with shoulder specialist in November (yes, I am Canadian). Originally diagnosed with a partial thickness tear in the supraspinatus. My range of motion got worse, not better during physio which led my physiotherapist to fire me on the basis that I was clearly heading down the freezing stage of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). She told me to come back when it started to "thaw", otherwise I was just wasting my money and possibly doing more harm than good. From what I have read that seems like the right call. I am hopeful (crazy thing to hope for) that I am at or almost at "frozen" stage now. My ROM (range of motion) isn't great. About 4pm in all directions at best and no ability to reach behind me. Pain is minimal to zilch (except for soreness when lying down) unless I accidentally extend beyond this (in which case you should cover your ears because the profanity that comes out of me at that time astounds even me).

My friends and I are looking to book a dive weekend in West Palm at the end of October. I know I will still be limited at that time (frozen shoulder can take a year or more to resolve). Based on my current pain levels and ROM though I think, with some accomodation and assistance on the boat ladders and removing my gear it should be doable. I can still climb stiles when hiking and carry heavy backpacks when cycling. I can fold my arms in front of me, my typical dive pose, and West Palm is all drift diving which shouldn't require much in the way of swimming. It is my non-dominant arm. I will bring all of my safety equipment, DAN safety sausage and air horn on BCD.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Any suggestions or concerns I haven't thought about?

I managed to detach the tendon of my supraspinatus back in April. Very little pain - just limited range of motion. Not understanding what I had done, I waited until July to have it looked at and diagnosed with an MRI. Did 2 major dive trips (FGB and Cozumel) in June and July with no problems. I could reach out (but not up) so I just had to develop a little technique for dealing with gear and boat ladders. Then I did Bonaire in August followed a week later with corrective surgery. Again, lots of technique for handling tanks resulted in no problems.

BTW, the surgery hurts like hell.

 

[Mike2Fst]

I would be concerned with being able to perform the tasks necessary while perfoming the dive and what the availability of assistance is should you need it. Only you can answer these questions based on your diving experience. I've done diving off of West Palm and the drift component is the least of your worries. Getting on and off the boat is where your challenge may arise. The waves can go from minimal to 6ft in the course of your dive making getting back on the pitching boat a 2 armed experience. Concern for making the injury worse would be high on my list of considerations as well. Whateve choice you make, I hope you have an awesome dive and that everything works out. The charter I was on had a very helpful crew and I would gladly dive with them again, Jim Abernathy's Dive Adventure. BTW, I am a Physical Therapist with 15 years experience with which I base my response. You can also always abort your dive prior to getting wet should the conditions become sketchy. Good luck.