Hi everyone,
I have a question. A couple weeks ago (about 3 or so?) I was at the gym and using a shoulder press. I nearly had it all lifted (shoulders over head) and suddenly I felt my shoulder - or something in the general area go/snap out of place. It wasn't terribly painful, but didn't feel well. My first instinct was to lower the bar and look at my shoulder, but trying to do so caused severe pain and felt like I was going to stretch something in my shoulder.
What I had to do was maneuver my shoulder to where it seemingly went back into place, and then lower the bar. Afterwards, I didn't experience any major pain, but I was very cautious from what point forward.
Since this, my shoulder has been repeatedly going out of place and then quickly going back in place, popping, etc. I can't lay in certain positions without experiencing a stretching type of pain, but generally when I raise my shoulder I don't experience much pain despite the popping, going out of place, etc. There are no visible issues except my injured shoulder does tend to "cave in" whenever I raise it, as opposed to my other one. This could have always been the case. Does anyone have a suspicion on what I might have done or any advice?
I'd hate to see my primary doctor and have him tell me to "rest it". I've been continuing to go to the gym, but was recently sick, so I took nearly a week off and it seems roughly the same.
Joint "strains" where you stretched something, usually get better by themselves. You've given it 3 weeks and it's still the same so I'd see your doctor. Sounds like you might have torn something in the joint that is allowing it to pop put of the joint in certain positions.
You waited and it hasn't gotten better....being cautious is always wise....but it's time to see someone and find out. It is worth the $$.
Jenny
The Following User Says Thank You to jennybyc For This Useful Post: notafan (01-21-2011)
You need to take more then the one week of to rest it. You need about 3 to 4 weeks to rest it. If it is still painful and popping go to the doc cause it could be your collar bone/ clavical which was part of my problem which required rest due to therapy and rest not working, It could be a labrium tear as well or a few other things as i'm not a doc. I'm just a guy who've had 3 shoulder surgeries and just had my third a month ago. Good luck and keep us updated
The Following User Says Thank You to renegaderob18 For This Useful Post: notafan (01-21-2011)
It sounds as if you may have dislocated it. If this is the case, there is a likelihood of this continuing because each time it dislocates (if that is what's happening) there is a weakening. Why not see an orthropedic doc and let him evaluate. If this is your situation surgery is sometimes necessary (doesn't sound like you're at that place though), but there are also specific exercises to strengthen that area.
All the best,
Jen
The Following User Says Thank You to jenj770 For This Useful Post: notafan (01-21-2011)
Thank you to everyone who responded. I did see my doctor. He said it did feel like there might be a dislocation and he recommended physical therapy, which I might do. He also ordered an X ray, which turned out normal. It's still a little messed up, though. I know there is something wrong. I just assume it's a dislocation.
My friend had a shoulder that would keep dislocating for years from an injury he had from high school wrestling. PT didn't help but doing the exercises in this book did: Rotator Cuff Solutions.
See a doctor? 
