Question
QUESTION: Hi Keith,

I am 16 years old now and I've had shoulder tightness for
almost a year now under my left clavicle.  It was caused by
me benching 110 lbs ( I lifted too much too soon).  I did go
to a physiotherapist, but there exercises don't seem to be
working.  Is there any way to get rid of it or do I just
have to wait it out?  Your help will be greatly appreciated
and thank you in advance.



ANSWER: Dear Tim,

I am so sorry to learn of your shoulder tightness. Shoulders can sure be difficult to heal and get over because they are very shallow ball and socket joints, unlike the hips, which are nice and deep. The only way to know exactly what is going on is to see an orthopedic surgeon and have him evaluate you. The evaluation might require an MRI to see what soft tissues were damaged.  It might also include a diagnostic ultrasound study.

Shoulder stability is dependent on healthy shoulder muscles.  Since you are not here with me, it is very difficult to diagnose exactly what is going on with you, but I will at least give you some ideas.

Since this injury happened while you were bench pressing, it is possible that you strained a portion of the Pectoral muscle that attaches along the collar bone, or clavicle.

A strained muscle is typically one of three grades of severity: 1)Mild pulling of the muscle fibers. 2) Partial muscle tearing, and 3) complete muscle rupture.

Since you are still able to move the shoulder, it is likely that you suffered either a grade 1 or grade 2 strain of the pectoral muscle. There a several therapies that might help you:

Ultrasound Therapy
Interferential electrical Stimulation therapy
Massage/Trigger point therapy
Shoulder mobilization

You have to also consider the possibility that you have suffered a ligament strain (this can take a long time to heal, and sometimes, you never do heal completely).  You might have also damaged components within the shoulder joint itself.

In conclusion, if I were you, I would consult with an orthopedic surgeon for an evaluation. It is possible that you need an MRI scan of the shoulder to determine exactly what was injured. Only then can you hope to undertake the correct treatment.

I hope that this helps you. Good luck... and next time, start light. Strong is better than big... remember!

keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: One more question. If I do not get my shoulder checked out,
would the tightness continue for another year or would it
eventually heal?

Answer
Dear Tim,

The purpose of "having your shoulder checked out" is so that a proper diagnosis can be formed and appropriate treatment for the diagnosis can be provided. Only then could an accurate long term prognosis be given.  Although it would be nice for me to to know exactly what is going on in your shoulder through a couple of simple emails, such a concept is folly. Injuries are complicated, and whether or not you will fully recover from any injury is totally dependent upon what has been damaged. What you have going for you is that you are young. Young people have an amazing ability to heal and recover from even some of the most severe injuries!  Find a local orthopedic physician, have him/her evaluate you, and then ask him the very questions that you are asking me. You might also include these questions:

1) What is the long term prognosis if I choose to do nothing?
2) What is the long term prognosis if I choose to follow through with your recommended treatment plan?
3) What are the short term and long term risks involved in your treatment plan?
4) Are there any known alternatives to the treatment that you are proposing?
5) If this shoulder were yours, what would you do?

One thing is for sure. Doing nothing will get you nothing. Put your mind at ease. Make an appointment and let a trained professional take a look at you. Ask friends, family members, or others for a referral to an orthopedic MD. Go with somebody that your family or friends trust as a good doctor.

Keith Biggs, DC
Biggs Chiropractic and Acupuncture, Mesa, AZ
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com