Unexpected Shoulder Pain During Dumbbell Press
While performing shoulder presses with dumbbells, I unexpectedly lost control of my right arm, which gradually moved backwards. Thankfully, I managed to drop the weights before any serious injury occurred. It felt as though I had experienced a tear, akin to an extremely painful stretch. Alarmed by the sensation, I began rotating my shoulder, which resulted in a loud pop and significant discomfort. After a second rotation, I noticed some improvement, and I repeated the motion to further assess the situation. Although I still experience some pain, I can now perform full rotations without any popping noises coming from my shoulder. Should I seek medical attention? I ask because I reside in a remote village, and the nearest hospital that offers advanced care is several hours away. Or is this likely just a minor injury?
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 10:01:23 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you managed to drop the weights and avoid a serious injury during your shoulder press. However, the symptoms you're describing—particularly the sudden loss of control, the loud pop, and the ongoing pain—do raise some concerns about potential shoulder injuries, such as a muscle strain or ligament injury.
Explanation:
The shoulder is a complex joint that can be susceptible to various injuries, especially during weightlifting. The sensation of a "pop" and the pain you're experiencing could indicate:
- Rotator Cuff Injury: This could be a strain or tear in the muscles/tendons that stabilize the shoulder.
- Shoulder Dislocation/Subluxation: A temporary dislocation can occur, leading to instability and pain.
- Labral Tear: This involves the cartilage in the shoulder socket and can cause pain and a popping sensation.
Though you’ve noticed some improvement, it's essential to monitor your symptoms closely.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Avoid Strain: Give your shoulder a break from any heavy lifting or overhead activities to prevent further injury.
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Ice the Area: Apply ice packs to your shoulder for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling and pain.
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Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If necessary, consider taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, following the dosing instructions.
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Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: Since you can rotate your shoulder without pain now, perform gentle, range of motion exercises to maintain flexibility, but stop if you feel any pain.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on your pain level, any swelling, or additional popping sounds. If it worsens or doesn’t improve in a few days, further evaluation may be needed.
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Seek Medical Attention When Possible: Given your location, if symptoms continue or escalate, plan a visit to a healthcare provider when feasible. They may perform imaging tests if required.
Stay hopeful; many shoulder injuries improve with time and conservative care. If you have any further questions or need more immediate information regarding your symptoms, feel free to reach out!
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