need reassurance

[phatkid77]

So, its beeb roughly 12 wks since I hit the gym (broken collarbone)
And I just measured arm and its down 1 1/4"!!!

How long until I get back to normal, not sure how hard I should push it but it feels good, but likely go light for 4-6 wks?

Phats

 

[Paul Bunyan]

Just be patient. SIze loss is just part of the program and it will come back faster than you think. The worst thing you can do is worry about it.

PB

 

[thebrick]

I have been forced out of the gym for longer than that period of time in the past and it drives you nuts. I know. Be patient, get the doc's OK before going back and then let muscle memory do its thing.

 

[phatkid77]

I've been given the go ahead for the gym... Any advice on how heavy to start, and how/when to increase weights?

Phats

 

[thebrick]

I have no experience with bone fractures, just torn tendons I would start off easy and let your body get used to moving again. I think your body will let you know how to proceed. Go by how it feels. You will come back fast. My training partner broke his foot last year, and after his surgery and the 8 week recovery, the surgeon said he could do whatever he wanted.

 

[phatkid77]

Yeah, I'm just worried if I go too heavy on say pull ups or dips, or a loaded squat bar, will loosen and start clicking again!

 

[loganb_football]

Yeah, I'm just worried if I go too heavy on say pull ups or dips, or a loaded squat bar, will loosen and start clicking again!

Have you gotten x-rays? Calcium deposits build up around the broken area and makes that part of the bone stronger for up to 1-2 years (I've heard this to be as short as 8 months). Either way, your bone should be stronger. This is a safety hazard in itself because of natural structural deformations that occur secondary to the healing process. But for now the chances of you breaking it in that same exact spot are slim. Given that your are an adult, your healing capabilities are not like that of a child. But if your diet has been well balanced, I see no problem why it shouldn't be healed now.

Also, there is more than one way to increase intensity. If I were you I would go with something like German Volume Training for about 4 weeks then gradually increase your weights. Your main concern should be the bone, but you should also be aware that after a lay off tendinitis is more likely to occur if weights are increased too rapidly.