Rotator cuffs from hell, any advice?

[Fat Donkey]

Hi, guys, I've been going nuts with my training (12+ hrs a week), and my rotator cuffs on both shoulders are killing me. BJJ is great but as u guys know your joints get pulled and stretched every night and I can't seem to get any relief for my shoulders even when I don't get submitted Any advice on stretches, supplements, ice/heat etc.

[bushido_man96]

At 12+ hours a week, you may be better off backing off a few hours here and there. The extra rest may work wonders for you.

[lordtariel]

I agree with bushido... I've torn my rotator cuff before and it took me a couple of years to recover from it.(my shoulder still aches sometimes) Have your instructor watch to make sure you're not doing something wrong when you're practicing and make sure you stretch well before practice.

[ps1]

First and foremost consult your physician. You may have an injury that needs attention. Second, if you're having pain (other than regular muscle soreness) than something is wrong. Either people are too agressive with their submissions or you are being too stuborn and not tapping soon enough. Remember, the goal is not to hurt your training partners, that's why we tap.

[baronbvp]

I agree. I injured my rotator cuff while wrestling in high school 25 years ago. I can still feel the injury if I shift around in bed on it the wrong way.

You need to stop training and get checked by a doctor. Think NFL - the season is long, so don't ruin it by doing too much now. If you are in that much pain, I doubt you are focused on your training anyway as much as avoiding further injury. Let your body heal.

[koryustudent]

I've had a bad bursitis in my shoulder for a few years. It was an injury that occurred a while back trying to throw people larger than myself, which is most people I know. I tried everything I could find, acupuncture, hot and cold therapy, massage, tiger balm, cortisone, and rest. The last time, it was an eight week recovery period,(and that just meant being able to function but still having a fair amount of pain and playing through it,) and for me eight weeks off the mat is a lifetime. Recently I was helping a friend lift a refrigerator and aggravated it again. That's what I get for being a hero.

A friend recommended that I try Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids. He said that since his doctor of Chinese medicine prescribed it, he now is able to function. He was always plagued by nagging chronic injuries. He said it takes about two months to feel the effects. I took his advice and a little less than two months later, I feel like its about 85%. I still notice it, but there is no pain to speak of. It might be a placebo effect, but my other joints actually feel pretty good too.

I take 1 pill 3 times a day with food. This helps prevent the fish burps and upset stomach. My advice is if the pain is still bad see an orthopedist and get advice from them. But at the same time try the Omega 3-6-9.

Also, I agree that maybe you should change your behavior in class. Maybe tell your partner that you're injured.

[K Williams]

http://www.home-gym.com/7rocu.html

[Marine]

back off on your training, make sure you have a day or two without training. weekends are good to take off cause it leaves two whole days to recover. also swimming and stretching will help strengthen the muslces around the shoulder without straining them. also tell your training partners to take it easy on your shoulders. that helps a lot, and ppl are pretty respectful about that...at least at my gym

[baronbvp]

http://www.home-gym.com/7rocu.html

Looks like a pretty decent website.

[ps1]

http://www.home-gym.com/7rocu.html

Excellent website. Nice suggestion on the book! Thanks.