*** I originally wrote this post during the weekend of the race not knowing how Amaury was doing in practice and timed training and was speculating on how he may be able to get himself race ready. In the end Amaury raced and placed 10th in the race. An amazing feat of determination even with all of the medical support he must have had!

Amaury Pierron, one of the top riders in downhill racing, is reportedly looking to race this weekend despite suffering a fractured clavicle. His recovery has been nothing short of remarkable, but now we know that Pierron underwent surgery to address the injury. So how is it possible for him to even think about racing so soon after such a serious procedure? Let’s break down what could make this possible.

Surgery: Not All Clavicle Surgeries Are the Same

While the specifics of Pierron’s surgery haven’t been revealed, it’s important to note that surgery for a clavicle fracture can vary significantly. Not every procedure is the same—what works for one athlete or situation might not apply to another. So just because you or a friend may have had a similar injury and surgery doesn’t mean Pierron’s recovery path is identical. The focus in pro sports is often on returning to performance as quickly as possible, which can influence both the surgical approach and the rehab timeline.

Partial Clavicle Fracture: Less Risk of Re-Fracture

It’s possible that Pierron’s fracture was a partial clavicle fracture, which is typically less severe than a complete fracture where the bone ends are misaligned or separated. With a partial fracture, the bone remains in line and stable, which can make for a quicker recovery. If the fracture was near the tip or end of the clavicle, there’s less risk of re-fracture or serious complications. This could be why Pierron is able to entertain the possibility of racing so soon after surgery.

Pain Management and Local Anesthesia

In addition to the type of fracture and surgery, local anesthesia could play a significant role in Pierron’s recovery. Local anesthesia numbs only the area around the injury, meaning Pierron may be able to race without feeling the pain in his clavicle. While it won’t eliminate the risk of further injury, it helps reduce discomfort and allows him to perform during the race without the injury affecting his focus or performance.

Prophylactic Taping: Additional Support

It’s been seen on social media that Pierron has been wearing prophylactic taping on his shoulder. This type of taping is often used to support an injured area during recovery, providing additional stability to the joint or bone. While taping doesn’t heal an injury, it can reduce stress on the injured area and provide reassurance to the athlete that their body is being protected during intense movement. Taping also enhances proprioception, giving athletes a better sense of control and positioning of the affected limb.

In Pierron’s case, this tape likely offers added support to his clavicle and shoulder, helping to prevent excessive movement or strain during the race. It’s a common method in sports rehabilitation, especially for athletes recovering from joint and bone injuries, allowing them to perform with more confidence while minimizing the risk of aggravating the injury.

The Goal: Not to Win, But to Recover Series Points

It’s also important to consider that Pierron’s strategy might not be about winning the race but securing enough points for the overall series standings. In these scenarios, an athlete may be more focused on securing a finish rather than competing for the top spot, reducing the risk of further injury while still maintaining points for the team or individual.

Risk vs. Reward: Elite Athletes and Injury Management

For professional athletes, the risk vs. reward balance is much different than for amateurs. These athletes don’t make decisions about competing lightly. They undergo comprehensive evaluations, including imaging, and consult with doctors who specialize in managing high-risk situations. Pierron and his team likely fully understand the risks, including potential long-term effects, and have made a calculated decision about whether or not to race.

During my time as an Athletic Therapist in professional hockey, I’ve been in similar scenarios where athletes had to choose whether to compete with injuries. It’s a delicate balance of multiple factors, and sometimes, the potential for more severe injury leads to a decision that a player should not compete. But, when the risk is deemed manageable, and the reward is significant enough, athletes often continue to compete.

Playing Through Injury: The Realities of Professional Sports

You’d be amazed at what athletes can push through. A fractured clavicle is not even the craziest injury I’ve seen in my career. In the world of professional sports, medical teams are incredibly skilled at managing injury recovery, and the support structure around athletes like Pierron ensures that their decision to race is based on a thorough understanding of the risks involved

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