Shoulder Injury Question

[captd1]

Hi Dr Mark, I am told you are an excellent MX doctor and any insight would be appreciated.

About 2.5 weeks ago I was riding through some sandy whoops. The back end of the bike came around, and I flew horizontally into a tree. I impacted my left shoulder, almost directly on top (tip of the bone). I was going about 20 mph and was not smart enough to wear a chest protector that day. After hitting the tree, the bike commenced to fall and smash my left foot. Even through a good riding boot, it was smashed side to side. Anyway my shoulder was in 'sharp' pain for nearly two weeks. It is better now, but it still hurts, and I can't lay on my left side in bed. The foot was also pretty bad. I guess I'm getting older, since I'm not healing as fast. Would excercise help the shoulder? Should I try to keep some weight off the foot, or it doesn't matter for healing. Thank you.

[drmark]

Here is the link. Make sure you click on the part that says exercises with theraband.

http://sandersclinic.net/shlder_rotatorcuff.html

[Anonymous]

Here is the link. Make sure you click on the part that says exercises with theraband.
http://sandersclinic.net/shlder_rotatorcuff.html

Are you saying it sounds like a 'rotator cuff tear'?? The impact was probably on the Acromion. I understand it could damage the rotator cuff tissue below. Should I consider a cortisone shot or just the exercise? TKS

[drmark]

More likely then not you sprained the AC joint, and in a vintage rider like yourself, we rehab it like a rotator cuff sprain. Tear, I think is a little to strong a word. But it is on the rotator cuff tear page that I have the exercises.

Do the exercises for a couple of weeks. Take advil. Failing that you may consider a cortisone shot.