Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 8/7/2009

Question
Hi Dr. Paul,

I believe I have an anterior collar bone impingement/dislocation...My right-side clavicle protrudes like a bulb at the base of my throat, similarly the left side rib one step below is protruding like a bulb.  I've read that a chiropractor can do a reduction on the shoulder by manipulation/adjustment, but i haven't found much luck that gets into the meat of my issue. So i wanted to ask your input on that? Also, i've been having success at realigning the structural areas above and below these 2 bulb problems by doing rehab exercises, especially chest since i've had 13 full yrs of swimming thru my childhood.  Are there specific exercises that should help my collarbone into place?  The best 'feel good' stretch that I know at this point is to raise my arm at a 45 degree angle from vertical and roll my arm in a big circle from front to back.  I've just started to incorporate that motion in my rehab exercise with light weights (tho waiting weeks for experimentation results always sucks).  It seems logical to me that doing certain back exercises like rows, in particular the 'elbows to shoulder level' rows, might actually keep my clavicle in the anterior dislocated position...?  i appreciate any input and thanks for reading my long story:) roger

Answer
First, I would like to apologize for the lateness of my reply.  I had no notifications of questions from allexperts. You are on the right track with the rehab exercises, but if there is a misalignment in the clavicle and rib, it should be corrected first.  If you rehab with misalignment, you strengthen the "wrong" position and make correction a little more difficult.  I would try a chiropractor to see if it can be reduced, or to make sure it is nothing more serious.