As some of you might have noticed, sunday was the second time I dislocated my shoulder (yeap, the same). Each time, I can't ride for like a month...and it sucks bad.
Now do some chest protectors help "holding" the arm in its place? I know knee "retainers" exist, but haven't found nothing for shoulders...Are some of them more limiting for the arm (so the plastic takes the hit instead of disloctating your shoudler).

Oh yeah...any advice to reduce the risks of a third dislocation are welcome (I already know the "muscle up" thing!)

Thanks

 

Man Zorro the same thing happens to me I wrecked on my bayou 220 like a year ago and it dislocated it then after that everytime i bend it a certain way or land hard on a jump it dislocates, i got used to it though since it happens a lot i just wiggle my arm around till i feal it pops. I am probobly gunna get some kind of brace be cause that f`n hurts when it happens and one of these times im prolly gunna wreck bad when i do it . a chest protector isnt a bad idea if you might wreck when you do it id look into getting a brace i think dennis kirk has them but im not sure how much.

 

Zorro,

I hate to say this but if you have dislocated your shoulder twice, even once and didn't have it immobilized the first time for like 6 weeks you have probably severely damaged the capsule that holds it in place. I dislocated my left shoulder the first time at age 16 and so many times after that I can't count (hundreds), until I got it fixed when I turned 30. You guys have socialized medicine up there in Canada don't you. If I were you I would go see an orthopedic surgeon and get an opinion. Your shoulder is going to dislocate easier each time. I could be wrong but I really don't think I am. Good Luck.

Arlan

 

I dont know if it will help prevent a dislocation but EVS makes a brace for dislocated and sepparated shoulder injuries. They can be bought from Chaparral or Dennis Kirt for $30.00. Let me tell you , these things are 100 times better than the old sling (in my oppinion). A sling seems to only hold your arm up and immobilize it, pressure is still put on your shoulder because your arm is hanging down. Its kind of hard to explain, but if you try one of these braces you will see what Im talking about. The brace pulls the shoulder into place and you can still use your arm.
I never ride with out my brace anymore. I agree with Arlan I think anyone that has had any type of shoulder injury should go see an orthopedic specialist. MY shoulder got better (I even wore the brace to work every day for about 2 months) but I hurt It again about a week ago lifting something. I was supposed to see a specialist before, but didnt. I BET I DO NOW! I wasnt wearing a chest protector when I injured my shoulder. I never liked them because they limited the side to side movement of my head. I now have an underprotector,but I dont think it will keep me from a shoulder injury. Also the brace is even comfortable to sleep in, a sling bugs the you know what out of me.

 

Oooohhhh, you beat me to it. Yeah, Chaparral has a nice shoulder brace I saw in their catalogue - it looks nice and snug, and wraps around the shoulder and upper arm - I don't have any shoulder problems and I still want one! (j/k!)

A chest protector is good at helping to absorb a shoulder impact, though, so it would be a good idea to get the shoulder brace and a chest protector. If you get a good one, you won't even remember you have it on.

 

OK. Some details.
After the first dislocation (I wasn't wearing my protector), I waited 4 weeks before "riding" and it took almost 2 months before I started riding for real again. The doc said it had been dislocated seriously, but brought abck into place correctly and there wasn't apparent damage...She should be right...and she did say that it would dislocate easier now. I guess the best thing for me to do is learn how to put it back into place on my own, so I don't have to wait hours at the ER.
I will look at the EVS braces (I think I have the 01 -or 00- Dennis Kirk catalog). This sounds definitely interesting.
This time, the chest protector saved my back cause I felt the shee shamelessly laying on me from its 400lbs...

PS...I "know" it dislocates easier each time...that`s why I don't want it to happen again!

 

The more years you ride the more safety equipment you wear. And when you get as old as me, there is never enough. I look like a stormtrooper on steriods (I know, someone is going to ask "What's a stormtrooper"...).

Even wearing a chest protector, I managed to shatter my collarbone. Just getting back after the plate and 9 screws thing. The surgeon said it only takes 12-14 lbs force to break a collarbone. So I guess no protection is going to help the collarbone if you hit wrong.

Has anyone actually wrecked with any of the shoulder braces on and believe that they helped? I am curious.

 

Urg...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]
I'm going out and buying a chest protecter before i dislocate my shoulder..

 

Yes, I'm curious about those EVS shoulder braces too. Do they really "prevent" (or at least reduce) risks of dislocation when you fall?

 

I believe the shoulder brace acts just like a knee brace in a way. Yes, it will hold your shoulder more steady, but, I would think that in case of a sudden impact, it would help.. but not all that much. I have seen the EVS braces, and thought about getting one. The way I look at it, $30.00 isn't all that much, compared to the doctor bills you pay if you do dislocate it. I would go ahead and get it, try it out... Then give us some feedback.

Goodluck Zorro! Get a chest protector and that EVS. Hope you get well soon