Front Shoulder Pain
1. When did the pain begin?
It’s hard to say…maybe 3-4 weeks ago. It seems that I occasionally have a minor ache or pain somewhere whether it is an ankle, knee, wrist, shoulder, etc…(joint). Typically I’ll stretch and begin my workout (lifting or running) and I can usually work it out.
2. What were you doing at the time? Or did the pain come on gradually over time?
The progression is gradual. My first thought is this is the result of starting my lifting but it may be coincidence. It could be the driveway shoveling that followed the past few snow storms.
3. Where, anatomically, is the pain?
The pain is in the front of my right shoulder. With my arm hanging straight down the horizontal location is about 45 degrees between square front and the right side…vertically, it’s about 45 degrees between square front and the top of my shoulder.
4. What does the pain feel like? Sharp? Dull? Aching? Stabbing? Shooting?
I describe the pain as aching going to sharp…depending on the range of motion at the time.
5. Is the pain constant, or intermittent, or only on certain motions?
For the most part the pain is non-existent. I would categorize it as dull/aching, at most, while performing normal/household activities. It is not a persistent issue during rest/sleep.
6. What motions make your pain worse?
During stretching I notice the pain progresses to sharp when I stretch/pull my right arm across the front of my chest. I can also feel it very slightly during incline presses. I normally do not feel a progression of pain during flat or decline presses.
7. What, if anything, makes your pain better?
Hard to say. As I stated earlier…my typical aches/pains will usually disappear. This thing seems to be hanging on.
8. Does your pain radiate to any other part of your body?
No.
9. What things could you do before, that you cannot do now because of your injury?
Stretch without discomfort. Progress though my workouts without being cognizant/careful not to overdo it and further aggravate the pain.
10. What is your main concern regarding the pain and its consequences?
That I may aggravate it further and that it will hamper/slow my physical fitness progress/routine. To get it diagnosed, i.e. muscle, joint…arthritis, and begin understanding/adjusting my fitness routines to accommodate it.
11. Have you ever injured that part of your body before? If so, how?
I am right handed. I played baseball (catcher) from childhood through college, i.e. until about 23yrs old…I’m now 34yrs. My baseball career ended due to shoulder pain, i.e. front shoulder pain. My options were full reconstructive shoulder surgery or stop playing…I stopped. I forgot what medical term was used for my condition but in laymen’s terms my shoulder socket is larger than the ball that sits in it. When my shoulder shifts rearward it stretches/aggravates the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the front of the shoulder. Doctor’s advised me no harm would come of not doing the surgery. They warned though surgery would fix the shifting problem it would severely limit my range of motion…possibly leading to further/different issues. They warned me that arthritis would a likely long term issue in either case.
12. Is your pain getting worse over time? And if so, how much worse over what time period?
Not really…at least thus far.
Comment appreciated.
Toby
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