Broken collarbone recovery

chorlton chimp

Crashed last night on club run, motorist pulled out in front of the guy whose wheel I was on. He braked, I ran up the back of him and came off. Usual cuts and bruises but trip to A&E revealed fractured collarbone. In a sling at the moment and booked into fracture clinic Tuesday.

To add insult to injury I was in brand new shorts and was due to take the bike over to the Pyrenees to watch the Tour of
Question is, how long am I likely to be out of action? Is it daft to expect to be on a turbo in 3 weeks and on the road in 6?

Bobbinogs

The real answer is "it depends". Every fracture appears to be slightly different and everybody heals at a slightly different rate. Here is my experience, you might find some guidance here, at the end of the thread:

viewtopic.php?f=40020&t=12805868&

However, it really is a case of take it easy, try to sort out sleeping/resting, don't take stupid risks that could set you back months and, finally, stay optimistic. It will get better but chat to your doc about active recovery.

chorlton chimp

Cheers Robin,

Like you I had just got the bike back from a bit of tlc but thankfully it was the number 2 rig.

Sleeping isn't easy, ditto washing and dressing. Very frustrating as I was supposed to be in the Pyrenees this time next week.

cyco2

I tried a ride after 3 weeks into a broken collar bone and couldn't climb so had to choose flatter routes. It has been broken several times since and is now articulated.

Flâneur

listen to the doc,physio and other specialists.Both of mine are ruined having come back to sports too quickly. Remember pro sportsmen such as Lorenzo, X sport is their life (beyond just money)

markos1963

just got back from hospital after breaking mine at a tt this morning. gutted as i was having a great season. will follow this with interest

craigr

Broke my collarbone into 3 pieces on 11th January this year. Back jogging 9th February, back on the bike 30th March. I was told to give it 3 months to properly heal before getting back on the bike. Found it more uncomfortable than painful, the only time it was sore was when i forgot i had broken it and tried to push myself up off a chair.

I am sure after 3 weeks you will be fine to go back on the turbo, i don't have one so that is why i went back to jogging/running until the 3 months was up.

imposter2.0

Much depends on a) where the break is and b) whether there is any associated ligament damage. In that sense, there is no single answer to how long it will take before you are riding again.

mclarent

I have a Grade V ACJ after some tw*t knocked me off. Doc said 3 months before I ride outside, mainly so that I don't fall off and injure myself again. Had a go on the turbo the other day (2.5 weeks in) and the main thing was being unbalanced. I can only put weight on one arm most of the time, so I'm unbalanced on top (even holding the middle of the bars) which means I'm overusing one leg. Ended up with pain in my left (underutilised) leg. I'm going to give it another couple of days then try again.