Shoulder "snaps"

Bond007 · 05-03-2005, 03:23 PM

I'm currently doing Cuban Presses in my workout to help strengthen my rotator cuff and every so often, my right shoulder literally makes a "snapping" sound. It feels as if a tendon is simply just "snapping" across bone, thus making the sound. This doesn't happen on every rep, or even from week-to-week. It also doesn't hurt in the least. I'm beginning to notice that if I don't bring my upper arm fully up to parallel before rotating my forearm up that this doesn't typically happen. It also seems to happen the first few times after I increase the load that I'm lifting.

My concern is with my history of shoulder impingement syndrome, is this something that I should be taking notice of and possibly dumping the exercise for something else that will basically work the same muscle group, but in a different way?

Any suggestions?

kinney1 · 05-07-2005, 10:20 AM

Bond,
I don't have much insight to provide you, however I am experiencing the same exact thing. I went to an ART practitioner who noticed it as well. The ART practitioner made it sound like there was very little I could do about the loose or snapping tendon. Just monitor it and make sure it doesn't get worse while you continue to rehab. How is your progress? I am doing better, but I am still unable to do much upper body lifting.
Kevin

Phaedrus49er · 05-07-2005, 11:25 AM

Same here. ART doc said some people just "pop" more than others, and if there's no pain or loss of strength, no need to worry.

*ducks the flying chair from Cappy's direction"

Bond007 · 05-09-2005, 03:29 PM

Thanks guys! That's what I'm hoping. I've had the same problem with my right elbow when doing triceps exercises, specifically dips. The elbow snap tends to go away as strength and flexibility improve. My concern, of course, is if there's any complication due the SIS and subsequent surgeries. Then again, my workout on Friday resulted in absolutely no snapping. Go figure!

Bill Hartman · 05-09-2005, 04:16 PM

For the record, I hate Cuban Presses. In my opinion it is not a good rehab exercise.

Your are raising the weight upward with an internally rotated and somewhat extended humerus which is an impingement mechanism. The space between acromion and humeral head becomes very narrow and negates the purpose of, oh, say an acromioplasty???

The reason there is no snap when you rotate sooner is because you are externally rotating the humerus and moving the greater tuberosity out of the way of the acromion, so impingement doesn't occur. That's a very good thing. Not in the same way that hot naked chicks are a good thing, but a good thing none the less.

Bill

Bond007 · 05-09-2005, 04:42 PM

YIKES!

Ok, so I guess I'll dump the cuban presses and replace it with one of those shoulder-friendly exercises a little birdie sent to me.....

Bill Hartman · 05-09-2005, 04:49 PM

Mr. Bond

I'll see if I have a replacement for the C-press

Bill

Bond007 · 05-09-2005, 04:55 PM

Mr. Hartman

YOU'RE AWESOME!

Jamie

kinney1 · 05-10-2005, 10:53 AM

I second the fact that Cuban Presses can aggravate a shoulder impingment. Unfortunately though, my opinion comes from a negative experience. I thought it would be benficial, but it in fact seemed to aggravate my shoulder more. I now stay clear of this exercise.
Kev
Bond- what are you doing for your shoulder now?

fitricise · 05-10-2005, 01:29 PM

I had shoulder snaps a couple months ago, but it did hurt when I would raise my arm up. I just took it easy for a week and then gradually built the weight back up and it went away

Bond007 · 05-11-2005, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kinney1:
I second the fact that Cuban Presses can aggravate a shoulder impingment. Unfortunately though, my opinion comes from a negative experience. I thought it would be benficial, but it in fact seemed to aggravate my shoulder more. I now stay clear of this exercise.
Kev
Bond- what are you doing for your shoulder now?

I'm going to start doing an exercise called a Modified Empty Can while holding dumbbells. Here's the details:

1) Start in the thumbs down or "empty can" position with the arms at the sides of the body.

2) Elevate your upper arms in the scapular plane** with the thumbs pointed downward.

3) When you reach approximately a 45 degree elevation, begin to externally rotate (ER) the upper arm (thumbs rotate from a "down" position to an "up" position) while continuing to elevate the upper arms.

4) In the finish position your upper arm should be parallel to the floor, elbows not quite at a 90 degree bend with your thumbs pointing directly behind you. Your arms should still be in the scapular plane**.

**The scapular plane is about a 45 degree angle forward of the plane of the torso. So, your elbows should always be slightly in front of you. You must maintain the scapular plane throughout the exercise.

This exercise allows clearance of the greater tubercle of the humerus so impingement does not occur -- something the Cuban Press does not.

(Of course, all of the above was courtesy of Bill Hartman.)