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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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