Shoulder Problems

[overcome73]

I need opinions on a nagging injury. Background: Been training for about 15 years. I am 34 and just completed a very heavy (for me) power lifting cycle. I was very impressed with the strength gains and size as well. It was good because I was just getting back into it from a layoff and a lower back injury.

The problem I have had is about half way through the 9 week plan, I started having really bad shoulder pain everytime I benched. It progressed and, although I completed the full bulking cycle, the pain persisted. I took about 10 days off and the shoulder does feel a little better. But I can still feel a dull pain in the front delt and it hurts a little if I do like a side lateral movement.

Any idea what it is, what is recommended, can I work through it? I been training a long time and I know I have some wear on my shoulders so I expect and can live with some pain.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[bignate73]

how much rotator work did you do? specifically external rotation.

 

[overcome73]

Rotator work? Primarily heavy lifting over the years. This last 9 weeks, I increased poundages basically every week.

 

[vin01]

Yeah you might want to start doing rotator specific exercises..

http://www.bodyresults.com/E2RotatorCuff.asp

 

[Extra_Strong]

there are muscles raped all around there if one side is stronger or one is weeker it will pull away from center. rotator work is a must.

also use ice and dont do any movments that cause pain for a little while.
good luck.

 

[superchicken1]

Try this... carefully.

It helped me quite a bit.

http://www.intensemuscle.com/showthread.php?t=6997

SC1

 

[coolcolj]

not just cuffs, but stretch upp traps, neck, lats and pecs

strengthen serratus, lower/mid traps, rear delts

and work on scapular control

 

[justinjones1963]

Hitting heavy weights with military presses etc. will not hit the rotator cuffs. I had some minor shoulder problems but worked in rotator cuff exercises and it helped out a lot.

Those links above are good advice.