Rotator Cuff Injury from Fifth Wheel release

Yes I had that sometimes until I started using a pin puller every time. You can also aggravate low back pain if you don't use a puller.

 

Could be if your pulling it wrong, I do understand. I use a puller most of the time except for on tankers where you can get to the release. That release should be on the dash standard, IMHO.
Get it taken care of now before get get worse. I have had my rotator cuff repaired with surgery, no fun a year off work, lots of rehab after surgery. Take care of it while its minor and workmans comp will cover it.

 

With general freight, we drivers must be careful with these backs and shoulders. Even though drivers are not handling the freight they still have issues with lower backs brought on by sitting posture as well as muscle pulls. Things like pulling up to get in the cab, pulling the 5th wheel and the tandem handle can hurt you if not done correctly. The same can be said for raising and lowering landing gears. I have had trouble opening trailer doors. All these things can over time become recalcitrant. When a driver hurts themselves it is because most of the time they try to muscle these things and not properly remove the binding pressure. If a trailer is not at the right height or there is other pressure, when you try to pull the pin it won't budge. When I was 30 years old I would yank till it came free. Today if confronted with a recalcitrant 5th wheel, I'm going to take the time to remove the pressure and save my shoulder and back. I will use a cheater bar with a landing gear crank as well. Drive smart people, the best way I know of to have a long career. Otherwise, you are going to be like I am today. I am in a wheelchair now because I did not take care of my body!

 

Always side with staying safe, first. Never force anything. Landing gears this time of year can be a real issue for sure. Remeber to take the pressure off the fifth wheel before trying to release it.

 

I think maybe a ceramic shoulder implant will benefit you. They chop out the joints, saw it off and install a replacement joint and socket into you. By the time you finish physical therapy in a few months your function should return without having to worry about fast moving.

My father busted his arm too high up to fix so they chopped that away and the shoulder joint. Tossed it dropped a implant into him. Havent heard a complaint from him so I think hes ok. (Considering...)

 

All I know is I love my dash mounted 5th wheel release button

 

My fth wheel pulls real easy, but I still have a puller and depending on what trailer I am pulling , use it sometimes.
If a guy does not want a puller, you can loop an old fan belt on it and leave it, it gets you the distance you need to make it easy to pull.

 

Pullers are great not only save on shoulders, but shirts and jackets too....