Most Common Shoulder Injuries from Weight Lifting Are you struggling with shoulder pain and stiffness? Have a hard time moving your arm? Does it feel like your shoulder could slide out of its socket? These signs may indicate a shoulder injury. Athletes are particularly prone to injuries involving the muscles, tendons, and bones in the shoulder area. Treatment options depend on the intensity and severity of your symptoms. Sprains and strains, frozen shoulder, bursitis, and tendonitis are among the most common shoulder injuries. What they all have in common is severe pain. The shoulder is one of the most delicate and movable joints in your body. For this reason, it’s predisposed to injuries. Certain sports, especially those that involve heavy lifting and repetitive movements, can affect the shoulder joint and cause damage in the long run. Whether you’re a pro bodybuilder or a gym-goer, it’s important to use proper lifting form. This preventive measure alone may lower your risk of shoulder injuries. Let’s take a quick look at the most common weightlifting injuries affecting the shoulder so you can recognize their signs before it’s too late. Shoulder Bursitis Do you experience pain when touching your shoulder? Does it get worse when you raise your arm? Are there any signs of swelling and redness? If your answer is yes, then you might be dealing with shoulder bursitis. This injury causes inflammation of the shoulder joint. Most sufferers also report severe pain, especially at night. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be able to treat bursitis at home. Gentle stretches, therapeutic exercises, and the RICE method can help. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and it’s the first line of treatment for a wide range of injuries. If your pain persists, we recommend reaching out to a chiropractor. They can develop a customized exercise program and recommend the best course of action. Rotator Cuff Injuries These common shoulder injuries tend to affect athletes across all sports. However, they may also occur in older adults, limiting their flexibility and range of motion. A rotator cuff is a group of muscles surrounding your shoulder joint. These muscles are sensitive to repetitive movements and wear and tear. Overhead motions, such as the military press, may raise your risk of injury. In general, rotator cuff injuries cause dull aches in the shoulder. Your ability to move your arm, reach behind your back, or even comb your hair, can suffer too. If left unaddressed, these issues may lead to shoulder joint degeneration and permanent loss of motion. Surgery is only required in severe cases, though. Most patients respond well to physical therapy and strengthening exercises, rest, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Shoulder Strains Shoulder strains typically result from a sudden increase in activity levels, such as when you start a new workout program. These injuries are characterized by tears in the muscles. Their symptoms may include: Inability to move the shoulders Inflammation Tenderness to touch Pain at the front of your shoulder joint Weakness in the shoulder The risk of developing shoulder strains increases your age. If you notice any of the above symptoms, take a break from exercise. Get plenty of rest, apply ice on the affected area, and avoid keeping your shoulder in the same position for long periods of time. If the pain and discomfort don’t subside within days, visit a good medical professional/chiropractic facility. He or she may recommend physical therapy, laser or ultrasound treatments, and pain relievers to help you get back on your feet. Don’t Ignore the Most Common Shoulder Injuries Like with most health problems, prevention is your best defense. Increase workout frequency and intensity gradually, use good lifting form, and stretch your shoulders before exercise. These simple measures are sometimes enough to prevent the most common shoulder injuries. Seek help if you experience recurring pain or inflammation. Our team at Charscan Chiropractic can create a personalized plan to alleviate your pain, and strengthen your shoulders and other muscles prone to injury. Reach out to us to book an appointment today!