Shoulder Concerns
As a 24-year-old woman without any significant medical history, I consider myself generally in good health. However, I have been encountering some troubling shoulder issues. Having spent around a decade swimming competitively, I’ve noticed that any incorrect movement of my shoulder or arm results in pain, which significantly affects my ability to use my arm properly. Even something as simple as sleeping on my shoulder in the wrong position can lead to discomfort upon waking. Additionally, when I rotate my shoulder, I hear a popping or crunching noise. Should I seek a referral to an orthopedic specialist, or is this something that’s considered typical? Could it simply be a result of wear and tear from my years of swimming?
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 5:21:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing shoulder pain and some unusual noises during movement that are indeed concerning. Given your history as a competitive swimmer, it’s not uncommon for athletes to experience wear and tear on their joints, but it's important to address these symptoms properly.
Explanation:
Pain when moving your shoulder or after sleeping on it, along with popping or crunching noises, can stem from a variety of causes. These can include shoulder tendonitis, impingement syndrome, or issues with the shoulder's rotator cuff. While minor issues can be related to overuse and may improve with self-care, ongoing pain and functional limitations warrant further investigation.
Next Steps:
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Modify Activities: Pay attention to how you use your shoulder and consider reducing movements that provoke pain. Avoid overhead activities and certain swimming strokes that cause discomfort.
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Rest and Ice: After any activity that causes pain, apply ice to your shoulder for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation. Ensure you rest your shoulder adequately.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Engage in gentle range-of-motion exercises without pain. Consider physical therapy if you have access, as a therapist can tailor a program to enhance shoulder strength and flexibility.
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Keep a Pain Journal: Document your activities and the pain you experience to identify patterns or specific movements that trigger your symptoms. This information can be helpful for further evaluation.
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Monitor Symptoms: If the pain persists, worsens, or you find that daily activities are significantly affected, seeking an orthopedic consultation may be beneficial to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
Taking these steps should help you manage your symptoms while monitoring your shoulder’s condition closely. Please keep me updated on your progress!
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