Bursitis - could use advice!

ZealousMissJJ · July 2013

I've been working out for some time now, and somehow I've developed bursitis in my left shoulder. It's pretty painful, but only when I lift my arm a certain way, away from my body. I'm able to lift my arms above my head without any pain, except for when I move my arms away from my sides and up.

The problem is it is preventing me from working out properly. Also, recovery is slow I read. Apparently it's common that it takes almost a year..

My question is: has anyone experienced bursitis before? What are the do's and don'ts? I can't do weighted back or front squats because it involves lifting my shoulder in a painfull angle. Good Mornings are the same problem as squats. Deadlifts are ok. I still work out now (crossfit and the regular gym) but I'm trying kettlebell squats instead.

What other compound movements could I try that don't affect my shoulder? Should I give it more rest? Or keep excersizing it? Any advice on food/supplements intake? I'd be so happy with any advice!!

WilmaDennis91 · July 2013

I have that in my right hip several years ago. It's frustrating now sometimes cuz it'll hurt when I walk. I never had any problem with it during cheerleading, dance, and working out, but only when I walk. It's weird.
When I first got it, ibuprofen helps and stretching the area is a must. Just don't overdo your workout. If you just got bursitis, you should rest it, but if it's been awhile, just stretch the area and be careful. I don't think it'll go away, but maybe.

ZealousMissJJ · July 2013

Thanks Wilma! Pfft... I need it to go away! I was just starting to really see results in my workouts and I don't want it shot to hell.. I definately don't want it to be a lifeling injury!!

Anyone else have good advice for me?

TheresaTester · July 2013

I've also experienced this condition in my right shoulder. It started many years ago when I was a member of my high school swim team. At that time I took acetaminophen, which really did nothing for the pain. I eventually had to get steroid injections into my shoulder, along with physical therapy to make sure it didn't lock up during the healing process.

The problem has never been completely eliminated for me. It has been many years since I was on that swim team, but I still experience that same condition about once a year. I never know what might trigger it. It doesn't come on after a certain type of exercise, etc. Now I know NOT to ignore it, and let it get worse. The minute I experience the pain, I take an anti-inflammatory tablet (or two) and begin babying the shoulder. If that doesn't help, it's off to the doctor for another steroid injection.

Good luck!

ZealousMissJJ · July 2013

Thanks TheresaTester! I might make another appointment at the doctors. He told me to just take some painkillers but I don't think he fully understands that I'm trying to work out a lot. I want to get back to working out 5-6 days a week and this isn't helping! The pain makes me cranky!

I might give the steroid injection a chance... I think that's the best thing to do. Looks painful though!

babybl00310 · July 2013

I had bursitis in my right hip a few months ago and could barely walk. I had to take around three weeks off from exercise and went to see a physio a couple of times who gave me strengthening exercises to do. Once I started exercising again I built up slowly for a week or two but have been fine ever since. Sometimes after exercise it feels warm but I've never had another flare up yet and I usually exercise around 5 times per week.

Bufta217 · July 2013

I have reoccurring bursitis in my hip too (also walking was always when it hurt the most - horse riding, biking, swimming never a problem!). Good sports physio really helps. And I second the ibuprofen - not just a painkiller but my Dr said it would work just as well as prescription anti-inflammatory.

Good luck x

pukpuk123 · July 2013

Hi - I injured my shoulder in the same way. Due to the amount of circulation this area receives it does take a very long time indeed to heal. I have also found that I am prone to re-injuring it quite easily if I am not very careful. After some experimenting it really boiled down to I can do anything that does irritate it. Obviously, if it doesn't bother you to do an exercise then its probably ok to do. It is difficult and very frustrating but don't give up. it will heal eventually!

ZealousMissJJ · July 2013

Thanks Babbybl00310, Bufta217 and Pukpuk123! It does bother me because I can't do my squats like I used to do. It means I'm not able to carry the same weight. I can't manage a 50kg kettlebell in my hands.. I can however on my shoulders. With the kettlebell I can only do about 24kg.

Also, when doing crossfit there are so many different movements during the amrap, that I'm afraid I can't join in properly. Amraps are always for time and if I change the workout, I'll change the time which will be frustrating for me because it means I can't compete or compare myself with others. I wouldn't mind that if it were for a few weeks, but for a YEAR... >_<..

Anyone else experience bursitis?

iheartmy1dog · July 2013

I just got hip bursitis a few months ago.... It's definitely a pain when exercising! I just started physical therapy for it, they told me anti inflamitories and ice will help. I have to do certain stretches everyday too... But I'm sure they'd be different w/ you since yours isn't in your hip. Maybe try seeing a PT?

ZealousMissJJ · July 2013

Bumping for additional advice!

ncmedic201 · July 2013

I battled bursitis in my hip for a year. Take a break from things that are causing pain and find some good stretching exercises. Alleve and ibuprofen both work well before you exercise. Use ice after for about 10 minutes. You need to work back up to the exercises that are causing pain or it will take a long time to go away. Have you been diagnosed with bursitis? It could also be tendonitis or a combination of both.

Bursitis - could use advice!

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