Turbo training with a broken collarbone

Hi all.

Long time Lurker, first time poster, here.

Apols for resurrecting a long-dead thread, but I recently wrote a whole load of first-hand experience notes from a past Clavicle Op procedure for a friend who broke his Collar Bone more recently, so thought I would share the info in case others find it useful.

Before my op I got a mixture of scared and confused by the info from cyclists that is available, some suggesting that you could be racing within weeks (which I think is wrong), and others saying that the season would defo be over (which I also think is wrong), so here’s my contribution for others who are going through the same experience. 

Hope it helps someone, the post basically talks about:

• When to Turbo
• What Intensity of Turbos
• Not over-doing it
• Nutrition
• Accepting Support form others
• What else to do with your free time
• What to do when you get back on the road
• Being ready for the psychological side of the recovery

Here’s the link to the couple of blog posts I made on the subject since it’s much to long for a forum post...

http://www.formofexpression.com/#!blog/adqiy/tag/broken-collar-bone

I want to say: 'good luck’ to anyone who is having this happen to them right now!

Feel free to ask me specific questions about my experience here and I’ll pop back in to contribute; I know it can be anxiety-inducing when you are waiting to have or are recovering from this op.

Yepp, as above. Turbo with a broken collarbone is perfectly possible but TAKE IT EASY! It is easy to get carried away and even try standing (I know, I caught myself doing this and had a WTF moment). You may need to get some help flipping the stem as that can make it less painful, etc.

Speak to your doctor/surgeon if there is doubt but I was on my turbo about 3 days after breaking my clavicle and I then turbo-d about 3-4 times a week for the next 10 weeks. Kept most of my fitness but inevitably lost some endurance (I managed to do the odd 3 hour session on the turbo but that really was tough on the bottom). Stuff like Sufferfest works really well as it is HIT, which can then be balanced with some zone 1/2 or 3 work. Angels and the Hunted are good, as both work on 'climbing', as in maintaining threshold rather than intervals (which aren't really possible sitting, etc.).

Soon got my fitness back once out on the bike again so best of luck, just try and come to terms with the fact you have injured yourself and be patient. I found sleeping to be the hardest thing, which is what your body needs. I needed to do lots of really painful physio as my shoulder froze, and I needed 2 ops (one to put a plate in and then one to take it out after 8 weeks). I did make a full recovery and just have a scar to show. So hang in there.

Didn't wiggo use some sort of harness mijig? Similar to Mat Bretts I should imagine

I broke my collarbone, pelvis and 6 ribs in April. The friend I was cycling with turned up with a turbo trainer when I was still on crutch (could only use one) and I thought he was mad. Once I had got on the turbo, itself quite difficult, I found my pelvis wasn't too bad, and I have got back to doing more than I was before I fell off. I avoided riding past the scene of my accident until my cycling group decided to go that way; it was quite emotional but i ended up doing 80km that day, and actually enjoying it. Moral- don't give up!

Awesome, Mat - answers like these restore my faith in the road.cc forum community!

I snapped my elbow off one Friday, surgery (pins and wire) to re-attach it on the Saturday, back on the turbo on the Tuesday. Took advice from a surgeon friend to check it was okay. Zero issues.

I did it after a dislocated collarbone but on an exercise bike. Kept my injured arm in the sling position initially and then gradually moved to the handlebars without putting too much weight on it.

I had a shoulder operation and was on the turbo after just over a week, I just sat up like you would if you were climbing. Just make sure you keep it static, I found keeping my arm against my body helped the most.