My Shoulder Dislocation & useful links and information on recovery 🦾

I have been working out regularly 4 times a week for over 7 years. During this time I had shoulder cracks and discomfort when doing overhead presses and other shoulder related exercises. Uninformed and insecure as I was, I kept pushing regardless of the red flags. Instead of being addicted to substances I am now addicted to sports, thus giving myself a break is quite problematic. (I have to learn that!!)

I practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu for 3 years, however during that time period I was intercepted by numerous injuries, such as 2x ripped hamstring tendons, second degree ankle sprain and a shoulder tendon rip. The shoulder trauma stems from a weak rotator cuff  (<- click there for rotator cuff exercises and information from a professional physiotherapist).

But it also stems from my eagerness during sparring sessions. I was unaware of my situation and I was hesitant to tap-out (admit defeat). My sparring partner kept extending my arm behind my back, stretching out my tendons. That did not hurt! That is why I did not tap. The trick is to know the positions and be aware of the situation you are in. He effectively stretched my tendon and in combination with weak rotator cuffs my shoulder started to feel really unstable.

I went to a physiotherapist and exercised my rotator cuff, however it was too late. During another sparring session my shoulder popped out and ripped my tendon on the way, luckily it did not dislocate completely and popped back in again. You can guess what I did next. I kept sparring regardless, because my insecurities were pushing me beyond my limits. The next sparring session took place in the kamikaze gym Bochum, Germany (which I highly recommend) where I dislocated my shoulder.