Is It Possible for a Shoulder Strain to Cause Long-Term Pain?
I'm a 22-year-old male, standing 6'2" and weighing 150 lbs. Following my shoulder injury, I was given prescriptions for Ibuprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Methylprednisolone, but I have since stopped using them. To give you some background, three weeks ago while working out at the gym, I attempted a personal record on the incline dumbbell chest press. On my sixth repetition, I felt an abrupt shift in my arm as it moved inward toward my torso, signaling something was indeed amiss. This unexpected movement led to me dropping the dumbbells and instinctively jolting forward in surprise. Although the pain was quite intense for about half a minute, my arm seemed to regain its normal function shortly after. Initially, I feared that I had dislocated my shoulder, but after resting for a brief period, I noticed only minor limitations in my range of motion. An x-ray confirmed there was no damage to the joint, so the diagnosis was a strain. Since that incident, I've refrained from upper body workouts, focusing solely on leg exercises, and have avoided all sports. Despite my caution, I still experience a dull ache during certain stretching movements, and stretching does not alleviate this discomfort. I've heard numerous friends who are into fitness voice similar concerns about shoulder issues. Does this mean I’m just another statistic among them? Is it typical for a strain to linger this long, or should I be worried? I'm eager to resume upper body training, but I question if it's too early to proceed safely.
Answers (1)
7/16/2025, 9:30:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
Shoulder strain can indeed lead to long-term pain, especially if not managed properly, but recovery is often possible with the right approach. In your case, considering your recent injury, it’s common to experience lingering discomfort, especially if the shoulder has not healed completely.
Understanding the Issue: A shoulder strain happens when the muscles or tendons around the shoulder are overstretched or torn. Even if a strain feels minor, it can lead to inflammation and stiffness, which may cause discomfort for weeks or even months. The dull ache you’re feeling during certain movements could be a sign that the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles are still recovering.
Next Steps for Recovery:
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Rest and Avoid Aggravation: Stick with your decision to avoid upper body workouts for now. Allow your shoulder adequate time to heal. While it may be tempting to return to upper body training, doing so too early can exacerbate your symptoms.
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Gentle Stretching and Rehabilitation: Consider introducing gentle shoulder stretches and strengthening exercises. Start with movements that do not cause pain—focus on range of motion. Physical therapy can be beneficial if available, as a professional can devise a tailored program to aid recovery.
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Ice Application: Apply ice packs to your shoulder for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation, especially after any activity that seems to aggravate the pain.
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Pain Management: Although you've stopped taking medications, if the pain is persistent, non-prescription options like Ibuprofen can be helpful for inflammation and discomfort when taken as directed.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your pain levels and any limitations in movement. If you notice no improvement over the next few weeks, or if your pain worsens, it may indicate a need for more specialized intervention.
Conclusion: It’s not uncommon for shoulder strains to linger, and you should not feel discouraged. Many people experience similar issues, and with patience and appropriate care, you can achieve recovery. Focus on healing and gradually reintroducing movement, and let your body guide you on when you can safely resume upper body training. If you have any concerns or questions during your recovery, don’t hesitate to seek guidance.
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