Broken collarbone

[alex]

I broke my collar bone this past weekend at WCRHL regionals. Wondering if anyone else out there has any experience with this injury. Doctor told me 4-6 weeks before I could play but I find that most doctors don't know/understand roller hockey.

I told one doctor I play hockey and he said immediately that I shouldn't play for probably 8 weeks. I had to explain to him that it's roller hockey not ice hockey and nobody is going to bury their shoulder into my chest for a big hit. He said maybe I'd be ready sooner but still wasn't sure. So any roller players have this injury, if so what was your experience?

[teamcarramrod]

what a coincidence. i separated my shoulder again at gpcihl regionals. it sucks. the first time i did it i couldn't do anything for around 2 months. i hope i can get back sooner though, i cant stand not playing. the collar bone must suck though, i wouldn't push it. if you get out there and mess it up again, which i did the first time i messed up my shoulder, it just takes even longer to heal.

[quick_dry]

How expensive are X-rays in your neck of the woods?

I wouldn't want to come back early without first getting an image to make sure it has all healed, and physiotherapy as needed.

[minutemen]

Listen to the doctor. Yes it is roller hockey but your bone needs time to heal. When I broke my collar bone my movement was ok but could not move it up or down. So I really could not take shots. Now I completely split my collar bone and one part was on top of the other. When I went to the doctors I ok with some pain, but when he pulled my arm up, my face turned white and it hurt. If you do not allow it time to heal, you can cause your bone to not grow back properly and will hurt you later on in life. It can cause problems in the motion of your shoulder and most likely you will have arthritis at a later age. 6 weeks is really not that long.

[alex]

Thanks for all the input. My decision is only difficult because I was told 4-6 weeks from time of injury and nationals are 5 weeks from time of injury. I also had a pretty "clean break" with the bones not being far out of wack or anything. They're in the right spot to just grow back properly. I also don't have much pain and have OK range of motion. Hell, I'm the only one on my team that plays defense so I don't even need to be able to shoot the puck very well, haha.

I mean I definitely don't want to risk long term serious injury but I also want to play. X-rays aren't too expensive with my insurance so I'm going in for another x-ray and check up the week before nationals to see how it looks.

[minutemen]

5 weeks should be fine. Just make sure to have a check up right before nationals. Just make sure to rest it up and not do much the next 4 weeks. Make sure to ice and heat it and do not move it. Best of luck.