Is Guitar Playing Possible After a Grade II AC Joint Injury?
A week ago, I had an unfortunate incident while mountain biking, resulting in a separation of my shoulder. After consulting with an orthopedic specialist, I was diagnosed with a grade II AC joint separation, and fortunately, they determined that surgery isn't necessary. Each day, I'm experiencing improvement, yet my range of motion remains limited to about 30-40% at best. The inability to partake in biking or golfing has put me in a bit of a funk, but not being able to play the guitar has been particularly challenging. I typically hit the golf course or go riding 10-20 times each summer, and I have cultivated my guitar skills by practicing almost daily since I was nine years old. Today, after some time, I managed to play for approximately half an hour. It felt decent, though I did notice a bit of soreness afterward. I have a camping trip on the horizon in a week; it’s just basic frontcountry and car camping, nothing too extreme. If I can't take my bike or go swimming, I’m really hoping to bring my guitar along. My main concern is this: will playing the guitar for longer sessions negatively impact my recovery? Since the injury involves my right shoulder, which I use for strumming and picking, those movements are definitely engaging the injured ligaments. The surgeon advised me to keep moving as much as I can, but I’m apprehensive about irritating the injury, which could delay my timeline for full recovery, estimated to be anywhere between 3 to 6 weeks.
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 1:01:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you're experiencing improvement after your grade II AC joint injury, but I understand your concerns about resuming guitar playing, especially since it’s such an important part of your life.
Main Points:
- Playing the guitar may be feasible in moderation, but it’s essential to listen to your body.
- Overexertion can impact your recovery negatively, so balancing enjoyment with caution is key.
Explanation:
A grade II AC joint separation means there is a partial tear of the ligaments connecting your collarbone to your shoulder blade. While your doctor has advised movement, it’s crucial to prioritize activities that don’t strain your injured shoulder. Playing the guitar involves repetitive arm and shoulder movements, which can lead to discomfort if done excessively, particularly at this early stage of your recovery.
Next Steps:
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Limit Playtime: Since you’ve already played for half an hour, consider gradually increasing your playing time only if you feel comfortable. Set a maximum limit of 30-40 minutes with regular breaks to avoid soreness, especially for multi-day sessions like your camping trip.
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Warm Up and Cool Down: Prior to playing, gently warm up your shoulder with simple stretches (like shoulder rolls) to increase circulation. After playing, cool down by stretching lightly again to maintain flexibility.
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Monitor Pain Levels: Pay attention to your body. If you feel increased pain after playing, it’s a sign to scale back. Pain is a way your body signals that you might be doing too much too soon.
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Adaptive Playing Position: Ensure your posture and arm position while playing is comfortable. You might consider adjusting the height of your guitar or changing how you hold it to minimize strain on your shoulder.
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Engage in Other Activities: Since you mentioned other hobbies like biking and golf are currently on hold, try to engage in low-impact activities that don’t stress your shoulder, such as walking or gentle stretching.
Taking these steps can help you enjoy your guitar playing while facilitating recovery. If you notice any significant pain or limitations, it’s important to re-evaluate your activity level. Enjoy your time camping and playing your guitar, and remember to take it easy! Let me know if you need further guidance.
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