tips on strengthening shoulders?

lindseyb317

Hey guys,
So in the past month I've gained a couple pounds, but am still less than ten lbs away from my goal weight. However, i am trying to add strength training/weights into my routine.. only problem is that I have bad shoulders from years of competitive swimming. Even doing planks or push ups kill my shoulders, but though the rest of my body is pretty strong. I don't have sharp or shooting pains in my shoulders, just a dull, weak feeling.
Are there any exercises that will build up my shoulders and decrease the pain or am I stuck with bad shoulders the rest of my life? I was hoping that my shoulders would gradually get stronger by working through the discomfort and it just doesn't seem to be working. Any help??
Thanks! Lindsey

divemunkey

I would get them checked out. I had similar issues, and found out I have rotator cuff tears. Not all of them require surgery, but you might benefit from some physical therapy. Then you can work on strength.

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

Lateral raises and shrugs

lindseyb317

I have torn my rotator cuff in the past, but now my shoulders are unstable due to lack of cartilage. I was doing physical therapy but with my insurance, it was a lot of money twice a week to mostly do that stupid arm bike! hate that thing i guess i was just hoping this would be easier, but wishful thinking!

upgetupgetup

Check this out:

http://www.physio-pedia.com/Main_Page

http://www.physio-pedia.com/Shoulder_Instability

http://www.orthop.washington.edu/?q=patient-care/articles/shoulder/home-exercises-for-the-unstable-shoulder.html

lindseyb317

thanks!

dancerom

Too tired to answer now, but I've got sone ideas.... Bump for later or send me a pm... ;-)
I try to sleep, it's 4 am here...

marvybells

bump ( i am looking for alternatives to push-ups & plank moves due to bad shoulders as well)

lexlutha13

Lateral raises and shrugs

Don't do any over head presses like military press the quoted above are good but try to hit all 3 heads of the delts.
Do side lateral raises, front raises and rear delt flies.