Shoulder Concerns from a 28-Year-Old Fighter
Hey everyone, I’m a 28-year-old practitioner of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, standing at 177 cm and weighing about 180 lbs. I don’t smoke cigarettes, but I do enjoy smoking marijuana fairly regularly. A while back, I underwent surgery due to an ACL tear, but currently, I have no other health issues aside from what I’m inquiring about. Lately, I’ve been feeling some discomfort in my left shoulder, particularly on the front side, just below the collarbone, and in the region where my neck meets the back of my trapezius muscle. I’m a bit worried because I’ve noticed this shoulder pain following training sessions. During the day, I mostly feel fine, and the discomfort is minimal, but it does intensify slightly after I train. I train around six days a week, although I don’t push myself to the limit every single day; typically, I’m operating at about 50-70% intensity in my drills throughout the week. However, during my weekend sessions, I tend to train at full intensity. I suspect my shoulder might have sustained some strain on Saturday, but I felt okay on Sunday morning, so I decided to go to training. Later that evening, I felt a bit of discomfort, so I opted to take a break on Monday morning. I felt much better that morning, so I returned to class. While I’d say I’m about 95% okay, I’m experiencing some clicking and slight pain when I move my shoulder around. On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain fluctuates between 0 and 4, characterized by a sharp sensation followed by stiffness that usually eases after a click in the joint. Additionally, I feel a dull ache in the rear part of my trapezius. I wanted to ask if anyone here has dealt with similar shoulder pain and found relief through methods like rest, ice, and compression. I’ve ordered a shoulder brace that should arrive by Thursday. After doing some research, I got pretty anxious about the possibility of a rotator cuff tear. I’m curious—do you think I might be in serious trouble, or is it possible I’m just overthinking this? Given my prior ACL injury in 2022 that required surgery, I’m eager to avoid going through something like that again. I’m contemplating whether to go to the clinic tomorrow morning. If I do decide to go, I will definitely inform my coach about the situation, but ultimately, the decision is mine to make.
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 9:40:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about shoulder discomfort, especially as an active fighter. Based on your description, it seems like you might be experiencing a strain or overuse related to your training rather than a severe injury like a rotator cuff tear. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and what you can do moving forward.
Key Points:
- Your shoulder pain after training and clicking sounds suggest possible muscle strain or overuse.
- The discomfort fluctuating in intensity and easing after movement indicates that it may not be a severe injury.
- The shoulders are commonly affected in combat sports due to repetitive motions and strain.
Explanation:
The symptoms of clicking, sharp pain, and stiffness in the shoulder can be attributed to muscle strain, possible tendinopathy, or shoulder impingement, especially given your training intensity. Since you've had discomfort mainly after training, it suggests that your body might be experiencing fatigue and strain rather than a serious structural issue.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Modify Training: Continue to rest your shoulder as much as possible. Consider lightening your training load, focusing on less demanding exercises that don’t aggravate your shoulder, and avoid full-intensity sessions temporarily until you feel fully comfortable.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes after training and at least a couple of times a day to help reduce inflammation and pain.
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Compression: Use the shoulder brace you ordered to provide support and reduce strain during training.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Implement gentle stretching and mobility exercises to maintain range of motion. As the pain decreases, start introducing light shoulder strengthening exercises to build stability.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your pain levels, triggers, and any changes. If the pain worsens, becomes consistent (pain level remains above 4), or if you develop additional symptoms like significant swelling, weakness, or loss of motion, consider consulting a healthcare provider.
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Consult with a Health Professional: Since you’ve had prior injuries and your concern about possibly needing additional medical intervention, it may be wise to see a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment if the discomfort persists or worsens. This can help rule out any serious issues like a rotator cuff tear.
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Communicate with Your Coach: Inform your coach about your shoulder discomfort, as they might offer modifications during training sessions and help prevent exacerbation.
By prioritizing these steps, you can take control of your recovery while staying engaged in your training. Remember, it’s vital to listen to your body—your long-term health is more important than pushing through temporary discomfort. Keep me updated on your progress, and don't hesitate to ask if you have further questions or concerns!
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