Shoulder injury whine and questions

rosebette
rosebette Posts: 1,660 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm having some fairly serious pain in my left shoulder. I had been doing a lifting program, and yesterday was so impaired that I couldn't even do an overhead press with 7.5 lbs. weight. A bit of context here -- I'm a 5'1.5" female, 55 yo, around 118 lbs. I did an all-female strength training class and couldn't manage more than 3 lbs. with my left arm on most exercises that involve shoulder (could do 5 on bicep and tricep). I'm rather upset by this because I had been advised to lift heavier (I have been able to up to 10 lbs. which is a lot for me) to lose body fat, gain more muscle, and break a plateau, and I had even broken a plateau doing this.
Now, I feel very discouraged because I am going backwards. In fact, some trainers at both places where I work out say that using light weights is the same or nearly the same as "doing nothing" since your body is already used to those weights. How long will it be before I totally "lose ground" and muscle tone and begin to gain weight back? How much should I continue to push myself? I see people in classes lifting with braces, supports, soft casts, etc. if they have injuries, but I am older, so I do wonder whether I should do this, or maybe double up on NSAIDs to get through workouts. Tried this once, but it upset my stomach. Of course, I'm also very fearful because maybe all this is a taste of things to come since I am older and already have some arthritis.

Replies

  • lizpitts
    lizpitts Posts: 67 Member
    Maybe you should see a doctor about the shoulder. If you have soft tissue damage you could make it worse by lifting weights. Once you know the cause of the pain you can determine what kind of exercise will help.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    7.5 pounds, 3 pounds, 5 pounds...

    I'm just sitting here looking at the mug of carrot juice I have that weighs in at 5 pounds or so...

    You should talk to your doctor about you working with a physical therapist. It sounds like you have a lot of damage to recover from. Good luck.
  • ebfmfp
    ebfmfp Posts: 13 Member
    Go to the doctor. I tried to work through shoulder and elbow issues and ended up having layoff from April until mid-October!
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    the best thing about weight progress, is that when you have to take a time out, the barbell is waiting for you and happy when you return and helps you reach your former numbers even quicker the next time around :)
  • ksy1969
    ksy1969 Posts: 700 Member
    I agree with all the other posters.

    I will add, I was having shoulder issues that effected how much I could lift. I learned I wasn't warming up enough. As I started doing proper warm ups, my shoulders got better and I was eventually lifting more weight.
  • rosebette
    rosebette Posts: 1,660 Member
    Thanks for all the advice. I've been putting off going to the doctor's, partly because my husband's done that, and his route has been surgery -- lots of it, and I'm scared of that path. However, I can't pick up a gallon of milk with my left arm, so I guess it's pretty serious.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    yeah... that is pretty serious.

    I get pissy when my shoulder hurts and I can't pick up a 5gal keg. I could imagine how angry one would get when they can't pick up a gallon of milk.
  • LianaG1115
    LianaG1115 Posts: 453 Member
    I've got a torn rotater myself and some days it really impedes in my routine but I can still lift weights, and the tear is on my dominant hand. With that said, my left side has no damage or injury however, when I'm lifting there's a serious difference in strength between both arms so I know the discouraging feelings on that. However, that sounds completely different than what you're experiencing and I would strongly suggest you see an orthopedist to rule out any serious issues before you further damage yourself. And then ask them if they suggest you continue with working out too because that may be the therapy you need, it was mine!
  • h7463
    h7463 Posts: 626 Member
    Hi! I'm 51, and I've been lifting heavy-for-me for about 3 years now. I got a bit of an idea, what it means at our age...
    Generally, previous posts are correct, suggesting that there is more likely progress, if you lift weights that are heavier than those you work currently. Even more so, because in order to get a relative lower body fat percentage, you will have to work up a higher lean muscle percentage, along with diet. Simple math, right...?

    Your shoulder is a big problem, that you need to have checked out. Arthritis and weights do not play well together, and out of personal/family experience, should not be taken lightly, as you can actually cause more damage. My suggestion would be, to see a physical therapist and/or sports physician.

    Pain killers/NSAIDs are a concern, when combined with weight training. Lifting will cause muscle damage on purpose, in order to make muscles repair themselves, get stronger and grow. It's a chemical process, and your body has to adapt to it. Anti-infammatory drugs will interfere with this process. Personally, I have successfully rehab'ed many bumps, bruises, and minor injuries, but that's with a few decades of experience in sports now. Ask a healthcare professional before taking any medication for an extended period of time, and explain your fitness goals to him, to find the best treatment for you!

    Good luck!

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