Diving aggravating rotator cuff injury

[redacted]

I had a bad cramp in my shoulder a couple weeks ago. I was afraid it may have torn some tissue but doc says it is just a strain, gave me some anti inflamitory meds to ease pain and said it may take some time. It mostly bothers me at night. There is some strength loss but no mobility limitations. Tip of index finger is always numb with numbness extending into the thumb and middle finger. Doc said is would be OK to continue exercise swimming and diving. I tried swimming and it hurt (muscle pull) so I'll give it another week. Yesterday I tried diving and the water pressuer seemed to aggrevate the injury with general pain and increased numbness. Started as soon as I descended and continued to depth of 135 ft with no dramatic increase. Ascending seemed to provide a little temporary relieve but symptoms returned as soon as I stopped. Symptoms miostly subsided during SI but returned for the second dive. The night was samwe to somwewhat improved (slept reasonably good) but today, in a 6 ft pool, the symptoms returned although quite mild. Do I need to go back to the doc or is this just a normal reaction with inflamed tissues? The pain is tolerable so I'd like to contihnue diving. Bad idea?

Thanks

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi awap,

No fun.

The complaints described are consistent with an impingement syndrome.

I take it that the doctor referred to in this inquiry is neither an orthopedist nor a sports medicine specialist. If the condition described doesn't substantially resolve over the next week or so, it likely would benefit from the attention of such a physician.

In the meantime, discontinuing diving and any other activity that precipitates or worsens the loss of strength, pain or numbness, continuing the anti-inflammatory medication, and not sleeping on the shoulder itself should provide some relief.

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.

 

[tonka97]

I had a bad cramp in my shoulder a couple weeks ago. I was afraid it may have torn some tissue but doc says it is just a strain, gave me some anti inflamitory meds to ease pain and said it may take some time. It mostly bothers me at night. There is some strength loss but no mobility limitations. Tip of index finger is always numb with numbness extending into the thumb and middle finger. Doc said is would be OK to continue exercise swimming and diving. I tried swimming and it hurt (muscle pull) so I'll give it another week. Yesterday I tried diving and the water pressuer seemed to aggrevate the injury with general pain and increased numbness. Started as soon as I descended and continued to depth of 135 ft with no dramatic increase. Ascending seemed to provide a little temporary relieve but symptoms returned as soon as I stopped. Symptoms miostly subsided during SI but returned for the second dive. The night was samwe to somwewhat improved (slept reasonably good) but today, in a 6 ft pool, the symptoms returned although quite mild. Do I need to go back to the doc or is this just a normal reaction with inflamed tissues? The pain is tolerable so I'd like to contihnue diving. Bad idea?

Thanks

Your reported signs/symptoms are consistent with C6 impingement/inflammation.

This is a cervical spine issue, not simply a 'rotator cuff' tear/injury or bursitis/tendonitis.

Recommend that you consult with a sports medicine orthopod, and if necessary a neurologist.

Many physical therapists work daily with cervical spine impingements/entrapments; there are effective treatments available.

 

[redacted]

Thank you both for the repy. Looks like tomorrows dive is canceled. It felt a bit better last night so I'll gi ve it the W/E before I go back to the doctor.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi awap,

Please let us know how matters progress.

Best of luck,

DocVikingo