Experiencing pain after hitting the gym may be a sign that something in your workout is not right. A good gym routine is one that helps you lose weight, build muscle, and increase strength and endurance. Sore and aching shoulders that last longer than the first few days is not one of them. Here are signs that your gym routine may be to blame for your shoulder pain.
Weightlifting
The most common reason for hurting shoulders after the gym is incorrect weightlifting. If your shoulders are hurting after weightlifting, you could have sustained shoulder micro-injuries. Weightlifting puts immense stress on your shoulder joint, which is the least stable in the body due to its great flexibility.
One possible reason for your shoulder pain is that you may have gotten a condition called weightlifter’s shoulder or distal clavicular osteolysis. Signs of weightlifter’s shoulders are pain, swelling, weakness, and stiffness in the shoulder after exercise. The area may also feel tender when you press on it. Your shoulder’s range of motion may also be limited.
Weightlifter’s shoulders is often a condition that develops due to overextension. Are you taking on advanced exercises, such as kettle-bell swings, kipping pull-ups, and snatches, too quickly? These are highly advanced exercises that require appropriate mobility, strength, and stability that is built over a long period of time.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent shoulder pain caused by weightlifting. First, proper conditioning is very important. Next, a trained professional should be with you as you engage in weightlifting exercises and before you take on more advanced routines. Lastly, give your shoulder muscles adequate time to recover to avoid serious injuries.
Repetitive Shoulder Movements
If your program does not include weightlifting, you could still hurt your shoulder through repetitive movements. Gym activities that can overload the shoulder joints and muscles include the use of pull-up bars, doing push-ups, boxing, and swimming. All of these activities can take a toll on your shoulders if you do them too intensely or quickly.
Lack of Proper Conditioning
If your shoulders are hurting, it could be because you missed more than a few workouts and then got back into your usual routine immediately. It can take as little as a few weeks for your body to lose strength. If you take some time off from the gym and go back to your normal routine, it could cause shoulder pain because you are straining your body out way too quickly. Take it slowly to get back to your old routine.
Shoulder Pain Diagnosis and Treatment in Maryland
The shoulder experts at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder will diagnose the root cause of your shoulder and recommend the most effective treatment. It is important to us that you receive timely diagnosis and treatment before greater damage is done.
Our orthopedic team specializes in sports medicine, and we are up to date on the latest in nonsurgical and surgical treatments of upper extremity sports injuries. Have us take a look at your shoulder today.
Call Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder at (410) 296-6232 or submit an appointment request now.
