24-Year-Old Male Facing Shoulder Problems from MMA Training
I have been practicing Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for around a year now. Approximately four months back, I began experiencing discomfort in my right shoulder, specifically in the rotator cuff region. Lately, I've also noticed some issues with my left shoulder. After consulting with an orthopedic specialist, I was informed that the ligaments in both of my shoulders are overstretched. I was warned that if I ignore this condition, I could be at risk for tears. During my visit to the orthopedic clinic, I underwent an X-ray. However, I am curious: can an X-ray actually reveal problems with ligaments, or is it solely intended for diagnosing bone-related issues?
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 3:20:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing some challenging shoulder issues related to your MMA training. It's good that you've already consulted an orthopedic specialist, as they can provide valuable insights into managing your condition.
An X-ray primarily helps diagnose bone-related issues, such as fractures or bone alignment, and cannot show problems with ligaments, tendons, or soft tissues directly. Ligament injuries, like overstretching, are usually assessed through physical examination and can sometimes be better visualized with an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) if needed. However, your orthopedic doctor’s assessment can still effectively guide your treatment.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Modify Activities: Give your shoulders time to heal by reducing or modifying your MMA training activities. Avoid any movements that exacerbate your pain, especially those that involve heavy lifting or rotational motions.
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Ice and Anti-inflammatory Measures: Apply ice to your affected shoulders for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and pain. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, can also be helpful if you're able to take them safely.
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Strengthening and Stretching Exercises: Once the pain begins to subside, consider incorporating gentle shoulder strengthening and stretching exercises into your routine. Focus on exercises that target the rotator cuff and surrounding shoulder muscles. It may be beneficial to follow a guided physical therapy program tailored to your needs.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any changes or increases in discomfort. If you start experiencing significant pain, weakness, or limitations in your shoulder movements, this could warrant further evaluation.
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Explore Additional Imaging if Necessary: If symptoms persist or worsen despite conservative care, discuss with your orthopedic specialist the possibility of getting an MRI to evaluate the soft tissues, including ligaments.
Remember to listen to your body and prioritize your shoulder health, as ignoring these symptoms could lead to more severe injuries down the line. If you have any further questions or need more specific exercises, feel free to ask.
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