Really messed up right shoulder repaired at 39. 'mangled' was the word the doc used. 3 rotator tears, 2 labrum tears, 'shattered' collarbone end. Didn't follow the rehab protocal but only 3 months due to events happening in my martial world at the time and am, of course, suffering from those choices.
Torn labrum in the right hip with the same prognosis as the above fellow.
Turned 44 this year. Retired myself completely at 43. Couldn't block effectively w/o pain in the shoulders and couldn't kick with the right leg except for a front kick w/o fire like pain in the right hip. Could still roll ok because i would just tap when needed. But, couldn't practice any sort of shoulder locks because it wasn't fair to my partners that I couldn't go far enough into the lock for them to effectively practice it.
Definitely gained weight. Lost some during my CF episode. Put it back on last winter. Didn't get it all back off this summer, fighting my usual wintertime issues of not wanting to train when it's cold. (hence a pending move to warmer year round climate).
Strength training helped with all injuries. Most specifically i felt like static overhead pressing, like in an OHS and a turkish-get-up, did a lot to strengthen my shoulders. I need to stretch more, especially rolling the ITB on the right leg, to help with the hip issue.
But, no more of the 'game'. I feel that martial training at a level to keep skills 'alive' is only detrimental to my body.
I mean, the saying around here has always been "you fight like you train", right? Reducing the intensity of your practice is only going to reduce the intensity of the attack you can handle. Time to be wise and humble, fellas. oh, and carry something for a worst-case situation you can't walk away from.
In my case, training against resistance just did more damage.
So, for now, done. After my move and at least a year of getting my weight back down to where I want it, I'd like to find a jujitsu and/or judo program that will allow me to roll/randori w/o actually taking a class. that might be hard to do as they'll probably think i'm an ass or something. but, i plan to state my case and my reasons and hope someone will let me do that.
"George never did wake up. And, even all that talking didn't make death any easier...at least not for us. Maybe, in the end, all you can really hope for is that your last thought is a nice one...even if it's just about the taste of a nice cold beer."
"If you find the right balance between desperation and fear you can make people believe anything"
"Is enlightenment even possible? Or, did I drive by it like a missed exit?"
It's simpler than you think.
I could be completely wrong"