Cathe, ? re: shoulders

[Rachel_Lam]

Hi,
I just wanted to ask you about this. I dont think my L shoulder has been really injured because I can move it around and it only bothers me a little every now and then.
It isn't painful but it isnt as normal as my r shoulder. It happened after doing a fast video (not one of yours) and it's ok if I lay off the delt work. When I use even just 5 lbs now it starts up the next day. It doesnt hurt much that it would need ice or ibuprofen but I would like to work my shoulders again.
Do I need to lessen my weights or stop completely? How do I go back to shoulder work safely?

 

[Gettingfit]

I am obviously not Cathe, but having had a shoulder injury myself, have to say LAY OFF ANY & ALL WEIGHT WORK (even 5 lbs)!!!! Give yourself time to heal. The shoulder is a very easily injured joint & you can do more damage than good even with a little weight. Give it a few weeks (yes a few week) & if it still isn't better seek the advise of your physician.

 

[Rachel_Lam]

Thanks! But what did you do to keep them looking ok? I've only just started to get them looking decent. SIGH. Cardio is fine though right? Just no delt work? The horror stories on some of the wb stuff kind of scared me...something about spurs growing if u keep lifting or ignoring even a slight twinge? I dont want spurs or anything growing!

 

[fitnurse]

Hi! I'll try not to make this long. I injured my shoulder 3 years ago at work lifting a patient bodily from one chair to the next. Had done it many times, with no problem. I worked out with the firms all the time and was in great shape. It took me 2 months of no workouts, besides walking, and physical therapy combined with muscles relaxers and pain meds to heal!! It was very difficult, and I was so angry that I had to stop my workouts, because even running hurt. Eventually it got better. I started working my upper body with light weights, and eventually got to heavier with no problem. Then a year later I injured the same shoulder pulling my garage door down. Isn't that crazy? Same scene except it was twice as bad!! About 2 mos. later I was completely recovered and started back slowly to working out with weights. I still have many days where I feel some discomfort, and as soon as it starts I stop whatever I'm doing and lay off for a few days. I take Motrin or Celebrex and a muscle relaxer. I also use ice alternated with heat. I agree with the others who responded that you should lay off the shoulder work until the pain is all gone. Then start with stretching and very light weights, and work up. You can not be too careful!! I think I barely escaped a bad tear and surgery. I do cathe's tapes as heavy as I can, but when that shoulder starts burning and twingeing I know I've got to let up for awhile.

It's so frustrating to have this problem just when you are starting to make some headway towards definition. But, believe me, if you continue you will be unable to do ANYTHING, and that will be worse. If the discomfort does not go away with rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs you should see your Dr. I can't stress how great ice works. I used to think it was hokey, but in desparation tried it, and it is so effective with swelling and inflammation that I keep ice packs in my freezer and use them at night before bed time if I feel sore.

Hope some of this helps. I sure can feel for you! Good luck with your shoulder, and your workouts.
Lynn