ride precautions for shoulder immobility

[julesann]

I need to have orthroscopic surgery on my shoulder; my arm will be in a sling and needs to be immobile for 6 weeks. I am trying to figure out when to schedule my surgery.

I am strong and believe I can hold it firmly against me in most rides and hold on with my other hand. Am I fooling myself? I'm looking for any experiences with this. I don't want to give up IJ, BTMRR,SM, Guardians etc.

 

[Psymonds]

I need to have orthroscopic surgery on my shoulder; my arm will be in a sling and needs to be immobile for 6 weeks. I am trying to figure out when to schedule my surgery.

I am strong and believe I can hold it firmly against me in most rides and hold on with my other hand. Am I fooling myself? I'm looking for any experiences with this. I don't want to give up IJ, BTMRR,SM, Guardians etc.

I'd be cautions unless you are truly in a sling that can fully immobilize your injury. Most active rides have a disclaimer along the lines of "guest must be .....free from injury that could be aggravated by riding" which sounds exactly like your situation.

There is always the potential that they see you in a sling, ask questions. and prevent you from riding, which is their responsibility as a ride operator.

YMMV but I'd be looking to go at a different time or skip Indy, SM, guardians and Sky school. BTMRR is at best borderline.

 

[julesann]

Hmm really good thoughts, thank you. I was wondering about being prevented from riding.

Anyone, with direct experience with shoulder surgery and rides at DLR?

 

[bjscheel]

DH is currently 9 weeks out from shoulder surgery so I asked what he would have thought of riding rides during his first 6 weeks. He said smooth rides would have been okay (Small World) but the other stuff, no way. And the sling will be in the way of safety restraints.

 

[maleficent55]

I would not risk more injury

Avoid Indiana jones for sure!
Stick with attractions with no height limits. That should = mellow/smooth

 

[Uk145081]

I’d definitely recommend being cautious about rides with a shoulder injury, especially ones that are intense or have sudden movements like Guardians or BTMRR. While you might be able to hold your arm still, the jostling and pressure can still strain it, even if you're strong. Personally, I’d say go for the less intense rides, like some of the calmer ones at IJ, until you're healed.

 

[julesann]

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses--they were very helpful and I realize I need be prudent and thoughtful with my planning.

I've decided to have surgery the week after my July trip. I have to give up my September Sierra backpack but I get four full months to heal for my November trip to DLR.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Anyone, with direct experience with shoulder surgery and rides at DLR?

Me!

I had shoulder surgery in March 2024. I could not use my arm for three months (12 weeks).

Are you planning a Disney trip during your six-week immobility or is it after?

You really should ask your surgeon what you can and cannot do in terms of rides at Disney because they know your specific surgery/recovery.

Keep in mind, depending on what type of surgery you’re having it could be extremely PAINFUL for a long time.

I did zero rides at Disney until the three-month mark, not even “little kid” rides due to the potential for jostling, sudden stops, bumps, etc. I made the mistake of taking my kids over to Tom Sawyers island when I was four weeks post-op and the ferry bumped against the side when we made it over and I tensed my body in a natural response and it was so painful I cried.

After five months I rode Space Mountain (with the blessing of my surgeon). I held my arm/shoulder during the ride but I regretted it. It was painful! I waited another three months before trying that again. (Yes, that put me at eight months post surgery.)

All that said, everyone is different. So your experience may vary!

Edited to add: I just saw the last post that you decided to delay your trip until four months post-op. Good choice! You might still have some pain depending on the extent of your surgery, but you might be pain free if it’s a minor repair (mine was a BIG one).

 

[Wesley815]

You really should ask your surgeon what you can and cannot do in terms of rides at Disney because they know your specific surgery/recovery.

THIS.

Please consult with professionals in medical field. I know it's friendly advice from people here but medical staff should be the ones you listen to.