Very Strange Feeling

[Arn]

Hello Everyone,

For a while i have been experiencing a strange feeling in and around my shoulder-blade. It occurs when i do an overhead dumbell press. During the lowering phase at close to the half-way point it is almost as if my left shoulder-blade gets stuck and then jerks over what feels like a speed bump in my lats/back, below and to the left of the shoulder blade. I know it is not the greatest description of the problem but it is quite difficult to explain.

Also of note is that i am currently working through an impingement issue in my left shoulder that causes me pain during any horizontal pressing movements.

If anyone has had a similar problem or may know of a possible cause and/or solution i would greatly appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

[Keith Scott]

Cant be 100% sure without actually seeing you and the problem first hand, but I have heard of something like this happening. It can be caused by the scapula (shoulder blade) rubbing against an inflamed bursa or even some scar tissue. Not sure what your history is in your shoulder girdle, but this could be a reason. Old injuries, could lead to this occuring as well. There is a normal scapulo-humeral rhythm (rhythm that occurs between your shoulder blade and your upper arm when moving). If this rhythm is messed up for whatever reason......you could also be experiencing something like this.

Do you have any pain when this happens??

If it is related to a scapular rhythm problem, you will need to get that rhythm back to normal and probably have to work with someone that can help you do that.

Like I said, this is all a guess, based on the limited info I have.


EDIT: I forgot to mention the obvious.........your impingement, could be the reason that your rhythm is off in the first place. So, I would start looking there first

Are you working with anyone at the present moment (PT, Doc) that could look into this?

[John Izzo]

I concur with Keith. This can be a result of our mentality to just lift heavy regardless of addressing optimal form and joint integrity.

[Bill Hartman]

Sounds like a snapping scapula.

Could be a few causes: weak/atrophy of subscapularis brings the scapula closer to the ribcage and now it rubs, crappy posture (slouching) alters the alignment of the spine and ribcage and now it rubs, direct rib or scapular injury alters alignment, etc. Eventually you get inflammation of the subscapular bursae.

The fact that you have impingement as well would be indicative of any of the above in addition to scapular instability and glenohumeral instability.

I'd get some professional guidance before it gets worse and turns into a surgical case.

You need to address postural issues and daily habits, restore normal scapular mobility/stability, and then restore normal rotator cuff strength.

Look on the net for Hughston exercises, thoracic mobilizations on a foam roller, and push-up plus until you get to a doc or a PT. No overhead work or pressing exercises until you get it straightened out.

Bill

[Arn]

Thanks for your reply's, i love the attitiude of the people on this forum. I am seeing a physio in regards to my shoulder impingement who has prescribed some rotator cuff strengthening exercises. As to my scapula problem, the physio has just been working on "relaxing" the muscles around it through massage. That is why i posted my problem on the forum as i am a bit concerned about that approach.

When it gets to the "sticking point" and then lumps over it is not painfull but more or less just uncomfortable. But posses asa massive problem as the right side moves fluently, but the left goes over the "speed hump".

Bill, thankyou very much for your advice/info. i have done a search and found some exercises that i will start working on.