Why Does My Shoulder Hurt When I Lift Weights?

Have you ever started a strength training workout only to be stopped by shoulder pain? Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong, and it could indicate a variety of concerns.

Pain doesn’t mean you have to quit strength training for good, but it does mean you should get it checked out before you continue. 

At AllCare Chiropractic, our chiropractic team understands how shoulder pain can keep you from getting the most out of your exercise routine. That’s why we want to share some things that might be causing your shoulder pain and what we can do about them.

Why your shoulder might hurt while lifting weights

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint and the most mobile joint in the body. Because of that, it’s prone to weakness and instability. Either can cause you to experience pain, especially when you lift your arms over your head. 

You might also experience shoulder pain due to a problem with your rotator cuff. Your rotator cuff includes muscles and tendons that help keep your shoulder in its socket.

Overusing your shoulders can lead to rotator cuff issues such as tendinitis, bursitis, shoulder impingement, and rotator cuff tears. 

Tendinitis

Tendinitis occurs when the tendons in your rotator cuff muscle become inflamed.

Bursitis

Bursitis occurs when the bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that help protect the shoulder joints, become inflamed.

Shoulder impingement

Shoulder impingement happens when your shoulder blade rubs against or pinches your rotator cuff as you raise your arms.

Rotator cuff tear

A torn tendon in the rotator cuff can result from injury as well as overuse, for example, landing on your shoulder awkwardly or lifting something too heavy. 

What to do about shoulder pain

If you’re experiencing even moderate pain while lifting weights, it’s wise to take a break from strength training and seek medical attention. Don’t try to push through the pain — you may exacerbate whatever condition is causing your shoulder pain.

Our team at AllCare Chiropractic can thoroughly examine your shoulder to determine what’s causing your pain. We can then work with you on a treatment plan that may include chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation to reduce inflammation and pain.

Don’t wait to have your shoulder pain checked out so you can get back to lifting weights and the rest of your workout routine. Call us or use our online booking tool today to schedule your appointment at one of our three convenient locations.