Shoulder clicking

gavney

Hi,

Have been doing weight training for about a year and a half.

In the last few weeks though, I've been getting a shoulder clicking, which (from what I've read) is a rotator cuff injury.

I get it in both shoulders. There is NO pain, but it's uncomfortable and doesn't help my concentration. Also, I'm worried I'm doing damage (esp when doing shoulder press and chest press).

I've read about a few solutions

1. Doing exercises (i.e. stretches) specifically targeting the area (e.g. this guyl). I've been trying this method for a couple of weeks - but doesn't seem to be helping much, though maybe I should give it more time.

2. Exercises which work my shoulder but without being heavy lifting (e.g. swimming).
This certainly could be the problem, as I used to swim once/twice a week as well as weight training, but have stopped in the last 3 months to focus on weights

3. Taking supplements - e.g. fish oils. Only supplement i take is Zinc. I've never taken fish oils, cause I generally eat plenty of fish (usually 2-3 mackerel per week, and a couple of cans of tuna, and the odd sole for dinner).

Any suggestions - should I just take fish oils, or is it a waste?

I know the obvious answer is "well just try everything" But I'd rather understand what the problem is and target it.

Hanley

Swiming hurts my shoulders a lot more than lifting. No one here's gonna be able to tell you what's causing it with any certainty tbh. A physio's prob your best bet.

Transform

gavney wrote: »

Hi,

Have been doing weight training for about a year and a half.

In the last few weeks though, I've been getting a shoulder clicking, which (from what I've read) is a rotator cuff injury.

I get it in both shoulders. There is NO pain, but it's uncomfortable and doesn't help my concentration. Also, I'm worried I'm doing damage (esp when doing shoulder press and chest press).

I've read about a few solutions

1. Doing exercises (i.e. stretches) specifically targeting the area (e.g. this guyl). I've been trying this method for a couple of weeks - but doesn't seem to be helping much, though maybe I should give it more time.

2. Exercises which work my shoulder but without being heavy lifting (e.g. swimming).
This certainly could be the problem, as I used to swim once/twice a week as well as weight training, but have stopped in the last 3 months to focus on weights

3. Taking supplements - e.g. fish oils. Only supplement i take is Zinc. I've never taken fish oils, cause I generally eat plenty of fish (usually 2-3 mackerel per week, and a couple of cans of tuna, and the odd sole for dinner).

Any suggestions - should I just take fish oils, or is it a waste?

I know the obvious answer is "well just try everything" But I'd rather understand what the problem is and target it.

agreed - physio

Roper

I have the same problem, it's not normal but it is common. Usually that sort of painless clicking is caused by stiff connective tissues rubbing over each other. You should be doing exercises that stabilise the shoulder girdle such as band pull aparts, face pulls, scap push ups before each session.

Try this stretch and tell me how you get on. Lie on your side (do both sides) and try to get the palm of your bottom hand to the ground. The elbow should be at a perfect 90 degrees and you can use your top hand to push it down flat to the ground. If you don't understand what I mean I'll get a video.

gavney

Ok, thanks guys

I think what I'll do is give the swimming / supplements/ stretches (incl one described above by roper) for a couple of weeks. And organise a physio appointment in the meantime. Hopefully I'll have seen some improvements before then though..