Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 6/3/2009

Question
Hi Richard,

My husband John just had surgery yesterday to put in a plate with screws in his right clavicle.  He broke it by riding his mountain bike down a hill a week ago.  He is an avid road cyclist and competes in races.  Today we found out that the healing process is going to take 8 weeks and he is bummed because he wants to race in August..is that pushing it? He has his bike trainer that he is riding on for 2 hours.  He eats healthy and is taking daily supplements especially calcium and drinking carrot juice.  He is home bound for now, so what kind of exercises can he do to strengthen himself? or nutrition?

thank you, Caroline

Answer
Caroline,

The time frame for the race will be close to the projected healing time though I think he will make it. Of course the doctor may get a little nervous about the race coming up unless he is a sports medicine type and understands the fact that your husband is competitive and wants to get moving.

Right now I would refrain from exercises that will affect the injured area unless the doctor has cleared him for some. Shoulder shrugs for instance is one I would start WHEN he is medically cleared.

If you try to speed things up you just end up reinjuring the area. This is hard for most athletic types. Sitting still or waiting is hard for them and having to throttle their activities down is not want they want to hear.

Shoulder strengthening exercises of all types will be good with light resistance when the time comes to start.

Nutrition wise, It sounds like you both watch what you eat. Getting in plenty of good protein is a must. Food sources like chicken, tuna and lean cuts of meat are fine. I would even take a protein supplement to ensure I am getting in plenty of it.


Protein is a major catalyst to get the body strong and maintain the healing process.

Otherwise with an injury like this its basically hurry up and wait now.

Good Luck.
Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.