Joe A Shaw PA-C - 3/27/2008

Question
HI, I have been on a weightlifting routine which has me nearly "maxing out" during each workout.  A couple of weeks ago I may have caused an injury to my right shoulder because of this.  I don't recall any pain resulting immediately from lifting but I'm guessing it may have come later due to forgetting to stretch before/after the workout.

My shoulder/chest/back was sore like usual after the workout.  However, after a few days of rest my right side did not recover like the left.  At first I thought it may have been because I overworked the right side a little more.  So the next workout, I took it easy.  My left side was fine, but after only a few exercises, my right shoulder/chest/back was very sore.  I rested a few more days to allow the muscles to fully restrengthen and worked out lightly again....but same scenario.  When I move my shoulder there is some grinding around the collar bone area but also behind the shoulder.  My right chest and back has been constantly sore since then.  Any advice on what I may have done and what I should do?  Thanks.

Answer
Josh,
I would try advil/Motrin per label ice and heat to the area (2-3 x day) of soreness and no wt lifting for a couple of wks..if still not improving you need an evaluation. Could be a rotator cuff tear..the RTC is actually made up of 4 muscles that hold the joint in tight.. these muscles in your upper chest and upper back..they attach to varoius places around the joint/humeral head. Usually you have pain around this area for a tear but you can have radiating pain like your having as well. You will need an MRI for a defenitive diagnosis..but again this is only done after you have tried conservative treatment maybe a cortisone inj etc...