Understanding Bruising After Weight Training
As a 26-year-old female, I've been regularly experiencing what seems to be bruising following my weightlifting sessions. The initial instance occurred on my shoulder blades, where the barbell rests during squats. I assumed this was to be expected given the hefty weights involved. I also noticed similar markings in my pelvic region after performing heavy hip thrusts. However, today brought a new development: some bruising appeared near my armpit. Oddly, I did not contact that area at all during my workout. This morning's bench press session was marked by a slight pop in my shoulder, which came with a minimal degree of discomfort. I had experienced something similar a few weeks ago while bench pressing, though that first instance featured a more pronounced noise and was more painful. Consequently, I paused the exercise for a few days out of concern about a potential rotator cuff injury. At this moment, I’m not experiencing any pain, but I do hear popping sounds in both shoulders when I rotate my arms. This cracking has never alarmed me previously; I've dealt with noisy joints since my intensive training in high school. I’m curious if this bruising is typical in weightlifting, especially under heavy loads, even when there hasn’t been direct pressure to that area. I lift weights three times a week, don’t take any medication or supplements, and I do smoke marijuana moderately. If anyone has insights into these occurrences, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 3:31:03 AM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing bruising after weight training, especially in areas that seem unrelated to pressure, can be concerning. While some bruising may be normal due to the heavy loads you are lifting, especially around areas where equipment rests or your body makes contact, the appearance of bruises without direct impact and the popping sounds in your shoulders warrant attention.
Explanation:
- Bruising from Weightlifting: It’s not uncommon to see some bruising on areas like your shoulder blades and hips from weights, as these are common spots for barbell contact. However, bruising that appears in areas not in direct contact, such as near the armpit, could indicate underlying issues, such as minor vascular damage or overexertion.
- Popping Sounds: Popping or cracking sounds in the joints, particularly when there has been discomfort or a “pop” felt during a lift, can suggest potential underlying joint issues, possibly related to the rotator cuff or other structures in the shoulder. While many people experience noise in their joints without pain or problems, it may be useful to monitor this closely, especially if discomfort recurs.
Next Steps:
-
Rest and Recovery: Continue to give your shoulders a break from exercises that exacerbate the popping or discomfort. Consider replacing these with gentler activities, such as swimming or low-impact cardio, which can maintain your fitness while allowing recovery.
-
Ice and Elevate: For any bruising, apply ice to the affected areas for 15-20 minutes at a time several times a day to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bruising and any joint sounds. If they worsen or you develop pain, tenderness, or restricted movement, pay closer attention to these changes.
-
Adjust Your Technique: Consider reviewing your lifting technique to ensure you're not placing undue stress on vulnerable areas. Seeking feedback from a personal trainer or a physical therapist can help you adjust your form.
-
Gradual Load Management: If you haven't already, gradually increase weights during your sessions to avoid sudden strain. Ensure you’re not pushing beyond your capacity to reduce the risk of injury.
If bruising or joint sounds persist or worsen, it might be prudent to consult a healthcare professional or a sports medicine expert to rule out any serious injury.
Related Questions
Need Help Identifying These Creatures
At 18 years old, I find myself in a somewhat awkward situation, as I believe I may have seen some unusual creatures emerge after an extensive cleaning experience. Normally, I pride myself on maintaining kitchen hygiene and have never encountered anything concerning in my stool, which makes me uncertain about labeling them as worms. Nonetheless, it's always wise to err on the side of caution, right? 🤷♂️
My Relationship with Milk Consumption
For nearly two decades, I have predominantly relied on milk as my primary source of hydration, consuming around five liters daily. Although I recognize that this reliance might not be the healthiest choice, my low appetite has perpetually left me underweight. In the past, I attempted to transition to drinking water; however, I noticed a concerning drop in weight along with persistent fatigue. My inquiry is whether there exists a more nutritious method to obtain calories without resorting to solid foods, and ideally, without incurring high costs?
When Can I Expect to Drive Again?
I’m a 35-year-old who suffered a spiral fracture in my right leg affecting both the fibula and tibia. Five weeks post-surgery, I've begun my rehabilitation journey, having undergone physical therapy for three weeks now. I’ve noticed that my leg is beginning to regain sensation, with improved control over my ankle and feeling returning to the sole of my foot. Given this progress, what is a realistic timeframe for when I might be able to drive safely once more?
Seeking Help for Ongoing Health Issues
I am reaching out in desperation for assistance! I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered similar health concerns or could recommend medications or specialists I should consider consulting. I'm truly at a loss and need guidance. As a 23-year-old male vegetarian weighing around 48 kg and standing at 5’4”, I have struggled with being underweight since my childhood. This condition has left me feeling utterly drained and overwhelmed. I’m eager to make a change but feel lost regarding where to begin or which healthcare professional to consult. In my youth, I was diagnosed with asthma, which has significantly improved; however, I continue to deal with low immunity, as I frequently catch colds and coughs from minor exposure to cold environments. Additionally, I’ve noticed that for the past few years, my body temperature feels abnormally high compared to those around me. I experience heat more acutely than my peers. Previously, I was quite active and could walk 4–5 kilometers daily without difficulty. Nowadays, even a short walk of 1–2 kilometers or climbing a few flights of stairs leaves me out of breath and exhausted. Even on days of little physical exertion, I feel weak and lethargic, as though all my vitality has been drained. My appetite has always been low, despite my efforts to increase it. I struggle to consume what would be considered an average meal for someone my age. Just two chapatis or a small bowl of rice or lentils fills me up completely, and attempting to eat more causes discomfort. I often find it perplexing how others manage to eat such larger portions. Dining out has become a challenge for me since even half a plate feels overwhelmingly full. Being extremely slender has made it difficult to find clothing that fits well and has adversely impacted my confidence over the years. For around 15 years, I have hesitated to take photographs of myself. Social and professional circles often regard me as younger than I am, sometimes even as a child, which has contributed to my feelings of invisibility and insecurity. My sensitivity to heat has intensified over the last few years. In seemingly normal room temperatures, I start sweating profusely while those around me remain comfortable. During cold weather, even in temperatures as low as 8°C, I don’t wear warm clothing, as I sweat excessively and feel anxious about overheating. The discomfort can escalate to a point where I feel faint from the heat. In my workplace, where the air conditioning is set at a standard temperature, I find it challenging. I begin to sweat visibly, leaving my clothes damp and prompting coworkers to inquire about my wellbeing. I often feel breathless and anxious that I might collapse if I remain there too long. This makes it very difficult to stay at the office or use public transportation, as even air-conditioned buses can feel uncomfortably warm to me. Over the past year, my situation has deteriorated further. I can no longer tolerate hot or even mildly spiced home-cooked meals, which I used to enjoy without issues. Now, even mildly spiced foods lead to excessive sweating, reddening of my face, and an intense burning sensation in my mouth, akin to consuming overly spicy dishes. As a result, my food intake has diminished even more. I often face ridicule for my dietary limitations, and I’m growing weary of trying to explain my condition, especially when my own family doesn't fully grasp the depth of my struggles, which adds to my distress. I am sharing my story because I truly need help. I wish to identify the underlying issues with my health and seek proper medical attention. If anyone has experienced similar problems or can recommend a suitable type of medical professional to consult, I would greatly appreciate your guidance and support during this challenging time. Thank you. 😭
Is an 85-pound Weight Healthy for a Woman Who is 5’1"?
A friend of mine stands at 5 feet 1 inch tall and has a delicate frame, tipping the scales at 85 pounds. At first glance, her weight seemed surprisingly low, but I realized she doesn’t appear overly thin. Naturally, I became a bit worried as I believed her weight might be below the healthy range; however, she insists that she feels perfectly fine. She maintains an active lifestyle, exercising regularly and following a nutritious diet, yet she doesn't overindulge. This leaves me pondering whether her health is indeed in check.