Deltoid Strain?

jojogirl

I am active in martial arts 5x a week for a couple of years now, I also strength train 3x a week for 5 months now.
I have been having a nagging pain in my MID DELTOID, now it seems to have gotten worse. Will I heal on my own? I don't want to run to the doctor and stuff if it's a normal occurence.
I only went to classes 2 days last week and this week. I am also going to stay away from gym for the week as well.
I have used heat overnight. I was wondering if I'm worrying or babying myself. In martial arts they want me to fight through it but my pushups are suffering right now and i don't like missing classes because they are so strict (and I absolutely love it!!) I'm so confused, fight or nurture?
Opinions Please...Thanks
~M~

Azdak

I have several answers for people who tell you to "fight" through pain--none of them printable.

The general rule of thumb is that you can try to push though fatigue and maybe even work with some soreness (e.g. delayed onset muscle soreness), but actual "pain" should be addressed, esp if it is getting worse.

The hardest thing to do is to stop a program when you are really into it -- I have made that mistake more times than I can count.

The most straightforward do-it-yourself test is: rest and ice. Do that for a few days and if the pain goes away, or is dramatically lessened, then you might have an overuse syndrome that can be corrected (unfortunately with more rest) and it may heal.

If, after rest, you return and the acute pain recurs, chances are you have an injury that will require treatment. If so, make sure you see someone who is proficient in sports medicine, not just a regular gp.

Wish I had a better answer--as someone who has been nursing a sore hamstring for the past 6 weeks, I literally "feel your pain".

jojogirl

Thank you very much, I value your opinion. I will definitely try the rest and ice, if it doesn't seem to be working I will then have it checked and I will (grudgingly) give myself some rest if need be. I am dissapointed to say the least. I thank you.