Rotatory Cuff and Lifting/Strength Training

kpeterson539

Good afternoon all. I'm looking for some opinions or suggestions please.

It seems as if I may have harmed my rotatory cuff while lifting. Because of this I have been "laying low" for the last couple of months in regards to the gym but I am really getting ANTSY to get back at it. I like to lift heavy. I'm only mentioning the heavy part because of a recent conversation I had.

The conversation was with a massage therapist who had mentioned, while getting a massage, that he could tell there were some rotatory cuff issues happening. Yeah.....nothing mentioned was really specific since I already knew there was issues, along with major tension/muscle spasms happening in the shoulders and neck. He was not the first or only massage therapist who have commented on the rotatory cuff situation.

So, in general, I asked what can I do or change to make the tension spasms better although he also solicited his advice into the rotatory cuff issues. He mentioned some things for the muscle spasm such as maybe take a vacation (LOL) or change jobs (LOLOLOL)......even he admitted that was crazy.

When it came to the rotatory cuff mentioning that while lifting I should lower the weight with more reps. I don't know. I just didn't like that answer.

Any opinions?

jacklifts

Look up Dieselcrew shoulder rehab video on YouTube
Add bottoms up kettlebell presses
Those things helped my shoulder feel better. If that doesn't work, try physical therapy

kpeterson539

That's awesome. I'll do that. Thanks for your help.

ClubSilencio

Are you doing external rotations?

According to my guru, Jeff Cavaliere, I make sure to do exercises and mobility work specific to the rotator cuff. Look up Athlean-X on Youtube along with "Rotator cuff". He's also a PT.

EvgeniZyntx

Jim Johnson's book is excellent - I've bought and given away 2.

http://www.amazon.com/Treat-Your-Own-Rotator-Cuff/dp/1598582062

kpeterson539

ClubSilencio wrote: »

Are you doing external rotations?

According to my guru, Jeff Cavaliere, I make sure to do exercises and mobility work specific to the rotator cuff. Look up Athlean-X on Youtube along with "Rotator cuff". He's also a PT.

I "was" doing external rotations but got nervous doing so. Honestly, I think my nervousness was mostly because I didn't want to cause any more harm. My confidence level went into the crapper because of the injury.

And I really appreciate the information and thanks for the reference of what to look for on Youtube. I'll be sure to look it up.

Sued0nim

Have you been examined properly? Have you visited a Physio?

I would suggest starting there

Because you simply don't want that rotator cuff torn

BodayJohnnay

My opinion would be to seek a PROFESSIONAL Doctor. Did you injure during training or what?
I'd rather talk to someone more advanced that can take mri/xray. Only way you will truly know what IS wrong and stop guessing what MIGHT be wrong. Get it taken care of now instead of waiting. I work with too many clients that wait to get checked out and they end up with more problems later. Better to be sure it isn't something serious that requires surgury.

Mobility movement patterns and stretches will increase health and reduce discomfort... injuries happen all the time...don't wait. Stay positive and keep working hard!
-John-

kpeterson539

EvgeniZyntx wrote: »

Jim Johnson's book is excellent - I've bought and given away 2.

http://www.amazon.com/Treat-Your-Own-Rotator-Cuff/dp/1598582062

This is great. The high reviews on Amazon, and your endorsement sold me. The book should be coming my way soon.

I'm a lurker but I know all of you who responded and I trust all of you. My doc wants me to basically give him my first born before sending me to PT while my Chiro just wants to talk about his personal issues other than my physical well-being. The Chiro is a bodybuilder but, for some reason, can't seem to help. All he did was state "Work your rear traps" as he walks out the door. Ok....I'm not meaning to sound bitter but I want to keep moving forward.

kpeterson539

rabbitjb wrote: »

Have you been examined properly? Have you visited a Physio?

I would suggest starting there

Because you simply don't want that rotator cuff torn

UHhhhhhWHAaaTmf wrote: »

My opinion would be to seek a PROFESSIONAL Doctor. Did you injure during training or what?
I'd rather talk to someone more advanced that can take mri/xray. Only way you will truly know what IS wrong and stop guessing what MIGHT be wrong. Get it taken care of now instead of waiting. I work with too many clients that wait to get checked out and they end up with more problems later. Better to be sure it isn't something serious that requires surgury.

Mobility movement patterns and stretches will increase health and reduce discomfort... injuries happen all the time...don't wait. Stay positive and keep working hard!
-John-

I have been properly examined by a professional doctor but no PT.....yet. Prior to referring me to PT he wanted me to do and xray and MRI. The xray was inconclusive so I need to move onto the MRI, which I am scared to death to do. However, with John's response, I need to just bite the bullet so I don't harm myself even more. And I "believe" I harmed it while training. I have a have a high pain tolerance along with the "brush it under the rug" mentality but I can't imagine where else I'd hurt it.

You are all awesome with your insight. I believe my next step is something I always knew but I think I needed just to hear it.

Sued0nim

MRIs are fine ...bit noisy, bit claustrophobic but nothing s little music or meditation can't cope with

I've had a millionty-one and only one freak-out

kpeterson539

rabbitjb wrote: »

MRIs are fine ...bit noisy, bit claustrophobic but nothing s little music or meditation can't cope with

I've had a millionty-one and only one freak-out

Whew. Millionty-one and only one freak out? I've had one with one freak out. It's mind over matter, I guess.

I'm just going to get more knowledgeable about this situation and try to start TRUSTING the professionals. UGH. All I know is I wanted to get back at it.

LiftRunRepeat22

kpeterson539 wrote: »

rabbitjb wrote: »

MRIs are fine ...bit noisy, bit claustrophobic but nothing s little music or meditation can't cope with

I've had a millionty-one and only one freak-out

Whew. Millionty-one and only one freak out? I've had one with one freak out. It's mind over matter, I guess.

I'm just going to get more knowledgeable about this situation and try to start TRUSTING the professionals. UGH. All I know is I wanted to get back at it.

Agree with resting before real damage is done. Trick with MRIs is to close your eyes prior to moving into it and obviously don't open them helps a ton. Also, Ativan if your into that sort of thing. It will calm your nerves. Total drug pusher here ,sorrynotsorry

BodayJohnnay

kpeterson539 wrote: »

rabbitjb wrote: »

Have you been examined properly? Have you visited a Physio?

I would suggest starting there

Because you simply don't want that rotator cuff torn

UHhhhhhWHAaaTmf wrote: »

My opinion would be to seek a PROFESSIONAL Doctor. Did you injure during training or what?
I'd rather talk to someone more advanced that can take mri/xray. Only way you will truly know what IS wrong and stop guessing what MIGHT be wrong. Get it taken care of now instead of waiting. I work with too many clients that wait to get checked out and they end up with more problems later. Better to be sure it isn't something serious that requires surgury.

Mobility movement patterns and stretches will increase health and reduce discomfort... injuries happen all the time...don't wait. Stay positive and keep working hard!
-John-

I have been properly examined by a professional doctor but no PT.....yet. Prior to referring me to PT he wanted me to do and xray and MRI. The xray was inconclusive so I need to move onto the MRI, which I am scared to death to do. However, with John's response, I need to just bite the bullet so I don't harm myself even more. And I "believe" I harmed it while training. I have a have a high pain tolerance along with the "brush it under the rug" mentality but I can't imagine where else I'd hurt it.

You are all awesome with your insight. I believe my next step is something I always knew but I think I needed just to hear it.

Glad to hear you consider options that we recommended. A small tear can affect you so much without you realizing it...especially with high tolerance for pain... it may be ok for a bit but then you wake up and feel it isn't gone yet. MRI is what you need and will give the best results. I know we want to push ourselves, but it's all about taking a smarter approach to it. Good luck!

Packerjohn

I had 6 shoulder operations and 10+ MRIs. As others have said, no big deal. If you are very fearful of closed in spaces, I have been told they can give you something to relax you a bit. Also, some facilities have an open MRI device that isn't nearly as closed in as a traditional.

Also, Eric Cressey is a highly regarded trainer who does much work with pro baseball players and is the shoulder version as Bret Contras is to glues. Lots of free content on his site and YouTube videos if you search. I had 2 therapists who were very well respected regionally tell me they subscribed to his newsletters.

http://ericcressey.com/

Best of luck.

kpeterson539

I know this sounds so geeky but I am SO excited about checking out all of the resources you all have given me. It's to the point where I wish I didn't work tomorrow so I can just get INVOLVED with all of the websites you've all provided to me. (I'd start now except I'm The Walking Dead crazy nut job so my whole Sunday nights are being glued to the tv with NO interruptions) I'm actually starting to BELIEVE I'll start to get better......and I'm going to follow up with the general practitioner this week for an MRI. I will NOT be pushing myself until I get better.

I'm also sort of a middle aged woman so I generally start to anticipate aches and pains as just an aging process, although I don't want to admit it to myself. I think I was just chalking some of this up to getting older.

Also, this was my first attempt to start a post after 2 years of being a member of this website being trying to get questions being scared to death no one would reach out. I should have known better. Most of the MFP Community are just totally supportive people.