Shoulder pain when benching is a common issue faced by many active individuals, especially those who engage in regular strength training. This discomfort can significantly hinder your progress and prevent you from reaching your fitness goals. In this blog post, we will investigate the potential causes of shoulder pain when benching and explore various preventative measures to ensure proper form and avoid injury, as well as treatment options for those already experiencing discomfort.
We will also discuss treatment options for those already experiencing shoulder pain when benching, including conservative approaches such as physical therapy and more advanced methods like chiropractic care. By understanding the mechanics behind this issue and implementing effective solutions, you can continue to strengthen your upper body without compromising the health of your shoulders.
Table of Contents:
- Identifying Shoulder Pain When Benching
- Tips for Proper Bench Press Technique:
- Causes of Shoulder Pain When Benching
- A. Poor Form
- B. Muscle Imbalances
- C. Overtraining
- D. Pre-existing Conditions
- E. Thoracic Spine Mobility Limitations
- Prevention Strategies for Shoulder Pain When Benching
- A. Proper Form and Technique
- B. Strengthen Supporting Muscles
- C. Warm-Up Before Bench Pressing
- D. Gradual Progression
- E. Seek Professional Guidance
- Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain When Benching
- Physical Therapy
- RICE Method
- Alter Your Exercise Routine
- Consult a Professional
- Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain When Benching
- A. Spinal Adjustments
- B. Soft Tissue Techniques
- C. Exercise Recommendations
- D. Posture Correction
- FAQs in Relation to Shoulder Pain When Benching
- Why am I getting shoulder pain when benching?
- How do I stop my shoulders from hurting when I bench press?
- What is the most common shoulder injury from bench press?
- Conclusion
1. Identifying Shoulder Pain When Benching
As an active parent, you may be familiar with the bench press exercise as part of your upper body workout regimen; however, shoulder pain during this exercise can impede progress and affect daily activities, so it is important to identify such symptoms quickly in order to prevent further issues. However, shoulder pain when benching can hinder your progress and affect your daily activities. Recognizing the signs of shoulder pain is crucial to address it promptly and prevent further complications.
Signs of Shoulder Pain:
- Pain in the front or side of the shoulder joint
- Limited range of motion during bench pressing
- A clicking or popping sensation in the shoulder socket
- Inability to maintain proper form due to discomfort or weakness
- Persistent soreness even after resting for several days
If any of these signs are present while doing a bench press, it is vital to halt the exercise right away and examine your form prior to resuming. Additionally, consulting with a professional such as a physical therapist can help determine if there are underlying issues causing this discomfort.
Tips for Proper Bench Press Technique:
Maintaining proper form during a bench press is vital not only for maximizing muscle gains but also preventing injuries like rotator cuff tears and impingements.
To ensure correct posture:
- - Keep your feet flat on the ground
- - Maintain contact between your glutes and lower back with the bench
- - Position yourself so that eyes are directly under barbell starting position
- Grip the bar wider than shoulder-length, elbows out at a 45° angle from your body.
- Keep your shoulder blades retracted and thoracic spine slightly arched throughout the movement. This helps maintain stability in the posterior shoulder muscles and rotator cuff.
- Lower the barbell to touch just below the chest line, ensuring that it does not bounce off or excessively compress the ribcage.
If you continue to feel pain despite practicing proper form, it’s essential to explore other causes of shoulder pain when benching and seek appropriate treatment options. In some cases, chiropractic care can be an effective solution for eliminating discomfort during this exercise.
Identifying shoulder pain when benching is important for preventing further injury and discomfort. Shoulder pain while benching can have many causes, thus necessitating an understanding of what might be causing the problem to properly address it.
Key Takeaway:
Shoulder pain when benching can hinder progress and affect daily activities. Proper form during a bench press is vital for preventing injuries like rotator cuff tears and impingements, but if you continue to feel pain despite practicing proper form, it’s essential to explore other causes of shoulder pain when benching and seek appropriate treatment options such as chiropractic care.
2. Causes of Shoulder Pain When Benching
Understanding the causes of shoulder pain when benching is essential for preventing injury and ensuring a safe workout routine. Here are some common factors that contribute to this issue:
A. Poor Form
Improper technique while performing the bench press exercise can lead to excessive stress on your shoulder joint, resulting in pain or even rotator cuff tears. Some mistakes include flaring out your elbows too much, not keeping your shoulder blades retracted, and arching your back excessively.
B. Muscle Imbalances
If you have weak posterior shoulder muscles or tight chest muscles, it can cause an imbalance that puts extra strain on the rotator cuff during bench pressing movements. Strengthening these areas through targeted exercises like rows and face pulls can help alleviate this problem.
C. Overtraining
Pushing yourself too hard without giving your body adequate time to recover may result in overuse injuries, including shoulder impingement syndrome (when tendons become pinched between bones). It’s crucial to listen to your body and take rest days as needed.
D. Pre-existing Conditions
If you have pre-existing issues with your shoulders such as arthritis or previous injuries like dislocations, they could be exacerbated by heavy lifting activities like bench presses.
E. Thoracic Spine Mobility Limitations
- Limited thoracic spine mobility might force compensations at the upper arm and shoulder socket, increasing the risk of injury.
- Performing thoracic mobility exercises like foam rolling and stretches can help improve your range of motion and reduce pain when bench pressing.
To eliminate shoulder pain while benching, it’s essential to address these causes. Consult with a physical therapist or certified personal trainer for guidance on proper form and exercise modifications tailored to your needs. They can also recommend specific exercises to strengthen weak muscles or increase flexibility in tight areas.
The causes of shoulder pain when benching can be attributed to poor form, lack of stretching and warm-up exercises, or an underlying medical condition. To reduce the possibility of harm while performing benching, it is essential to comprehend and utilize preventive measures that can help lower any potential risks connected with this kind of exercise.
Key Takeaway:
Understanding the causes of shoulder pain when benching is crucial for preventing injury. Poor form, muscle imbalances, overtraining or lack of recovery time, pre-existing conditions and insufficient warm-up or stretching are common factors that contribute to this issue. Addressing these causes through proper form and exercise modifications can help eliminate shoulder pain while bench pressing.
3. Prevention Strategies for Shoulder Pain When Benching
Preventing shoulder pain when benching is essential to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy the benefits of this upper body exercise. Here are some strategies you can incorporate into your routine to minimize the risk of injury:
A. Proper Form and Technique
Maintaining proper form during a bench press exercise is crucial in preventing shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, and other issues that may cause discomfort or pain. Keep your shoulder blades retracted, elbows slightly tucked in (not flared), and ensure that your upper arm forms a 45-degree angle with your torso.
B. Strengthen Supporting Muscles
Incorporate exercises targeting the posterior shoulder muscles, rotator cuff muscles, and thoracic spine into your workout regimen to provide better support for the shoulder joint during bench pressing.
- Rear Deltoid Raises: This move targets the posterior deltoids which help stabilize the shoulders while lifting weights.
- Face Pulls: A great way to strengthen both rotator cuffs as well as scapular retractors like rhomboids and middle trapezius muscle groups.
- T-spine Mobility Drills: Exercises such as foam rolling or targeted stretches can improve mobility in the thoracic spine region leading to better overall posture and reduced stress on shoulders while performing heavy lifts like bench presses.
C. Warm-Up Before Bench Pressing
To prepare your body for intense physical activity, perform dynamic warm-up exercises focusing on the upper body and shoulder joint. Examples include arm circles, scapular retractions, and light resistance band work.
D. Gradual Progression
Instead of suddenly increasing weight or intensity during bench press exercises, gradually progress over time to allow your muscles and joints to adapt safely. Gradually progressing with weight or intensity when doing bench press exercises can help to protect against potential injuries, like rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement.
E. Seek Professional Guidance
If you’re unsure about proper form or need personalized advice on preventing shoulder pain when benching, consult a chiropractor, physical therapist or personal trainer who specializes in sports medicine for guidance tailored specifically to your needs and goals.
By incorporating these prevention strategies into your routine, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy the benefits of bench pressing without experiencing discomfort or injury in your shoulders.
Grasping the possibilities of what may cause shoulder soreness during bench pressing and how to best avert it is crucial. Therefore, it is essential to explore treatment options for shoulder pain when benching in order to find an effective solution.
Key Takeaway:
To prevent shoulder pain when benching, it is important to maintain proper form and technique by keeping your shoulder blades retracted, elbows slightly tucked in, and upper arm forming a 45-degree angle with your torso. Strengthening supporting muscles such as posterior deltoids, rotator cuff muscles, and thoracic spine through exercises like rear deltoid raises, face pulls and T-spine mobility drills can also help. Additionally, warming up before bench pressing with dynamic warm-up exercises focusing on the upper body and gradually progressing over time while seeking professional guidance from a physical therapist who specializes in sports medicine can further reduce the risk of injury.
4. Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain When Benching
If you’re feeling shoulder pain when bench pressing, it’s important to address the issue promptly in order to avoid potential long-term damage and get back on track with your fitness goals. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available that can help alleviate your discomfort and get you back on track with your fitness goals.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a common and effective approach for treating shoulder pain related to bench pressing. A qualified physio will assess your stance, flexibility, strength and muscle disproportion to develop a personalized recovery plan specifically for you. Exercises to enhance rotator cuff strength, advance thoracic spine mobility, and bolster correct scapular retraction during upper body movements may be part of a custom-made rehab program designed by an experienced physical therapist.
RICE Method
The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation) is an at-home remedy often recommended in the initial stages of injury recovery. If you feel pain after benching:
- Rest: Avoid activities that cause further discomfort or stress on the affected area.
- Ice: Apply ice packs wrapped in a towel directly onto the painful area for 15-20 minutes every hour until swelling subsides.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage or compression sleeve around the injured joint as needed for support and reduced inflammation.
- Elevation: Keep your arm elevated above heart level whenever possible to minimize swelling.
Pain Medication & Anti-Inflammatories
For relief of shoulder pain, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be considered; however, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider first. It is essential to consult a medical professional prior to beginning any new medication plan.
Alter Your Exercise Routine
If you continue to experience shoulder pain when benching, consider modifying your exercise routine. Try incorporating alternative exercises that target the same muscle groups without causing discomfort or strain on the affected area. For example, dumbbell chest presses with a neutral grip can help maintain strength and muscle mass while reducing stress on the shoulder joint.
Consult a Professional
If your symptoms persist despite trying these treatment options, it may be time to seek professional advice from a chiropractor, sports medicine physician, or orthopedic specialist who can provide further evaluation and guidance for managing your condition effectively.
When it comes to treating shoulder pain when benching, there are many options available. Chiropractic treatment can be a useful solution for alleviating shoulder discomfort resulting from benching, and should be taken into account.
Key Takeaway:
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain when bench pressing, there are several treatment options available to alleviate your discomfort and get you back on track with your fitness goals. These include physical therapy, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation), pain medication & anti-inflammatories, altering your exercise routine and consulting a professional if symptoms persist.
5. Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain When Benching
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain when bench pressing, it’s essential to seek professional help to address the issue and prevent further injury. Chiropractic care is a specialized form of treatment that addresses musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those involving the spine and extremities, and can be an effective solution for shoulder pain caused by bench pressing.
Chiropractors are trained in various techniques that can help alleviate shoulder pain caused by bench pressing. They can assess your shoulder joint, thoracic spine, and upper body mechanics to identify any imbalances or misalignments contributing to your discomfort.
A. Spinal Adjustments
One common chiropractic technique used for treating shoulder pain is spinal adjustments. These involve applying controlled force to specific joints along the spine or other areas of concern like the shoulder socket. This helps improve mobility, reduce inflammation around rotator cuff muscles, and promote proper alignment throughout your upper body.
B. Soft Tissue Techniques
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may also employ soft tissue techniques such as myofascial release or trigger point therapy on tight posterior shoulder muscles causing impingement issues during bench press exercises.
- Myofascial Release: A hands-on technique where a chiropractor applies gentle pressure on tight muscle fibers (myofascia) surrounding your rotator cuff area until they relax and lengthen.
- Trigger Point Therapy: This involves applying direct pressure on specific points within the shoulder muscles to release tension and alleviate pain.
C. Exercise Recommendations
A chiropractor can also provide personalized exercise recommendations to help strengthen your rotator cuff, improve thoracic spine mobility, and maintain proper shoulder position during bench pressing. These exercises may include scapular retraction drills (to keep your shoulder blades back), external rotation movements (to stabilize the shoulder joint), and stretching routines for tight chest or upper arm muscles.
D. Posture Correction
Lastly, a chiropractor will assess your overall posture while standing, sitting, or performing bench press exercises to identify any imbalances that could be contributing to your shoulder pain. They’ll then recommend corrective strategies such as keeping elbows flared at an appropriate angle during the starting position of a bench press or ensuring proper alignment between your head, neck, and thoracic spine throughout each rep.
If you’re struggling with persistent shoulder pain when bench pressing despite implementing prevention strategies like warming up properly or adjusting technique based on physical therapy guidelines, it’s worth considering chiropractic care as part of your treatment plan to eliminate shoulder pain and prevent rotator cuff tears.
Key Takeaway:
Chiropractic care can be an effective solution for shoulder pain caused by bench pressing. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments, soft tissue techniques, exercise recommendations, and posture correction to alleviate discomfort and prevent further injury. It’s worth considering chiropractic care if you’re struggling with persistent shoulder pain despite implementing prevention strategies like warming up properly or adjusting technique based on physical therapy guidelines.
FAQs in Relation to Shoulder Pain When Benching
Why am I getting shoulder pain when benching?
Shoulder pain during bench press can be caused by various factors, such as poor form, muscle imbalances, overuse, or a pre-existing injury. In some cases, it may also result from rotator cuff issues or shoulder impingement syndrome. Ensuring proper technique and addressing any underlying issues can help alleviate the pain.
How do I stop my shoulders from hurting when I bench press?
To prevent shoulder pain while bench pressing, focus on maintaining proper form with controlled movements and avoid excessive weight loads. Strengthen your rotator cuff muscles through targeted exercises and incorporate stretching routines to improve flexibility. Additionally, warm up before lifting and gradually increase intensity to reduce strain on your shoulders.
What is the most common shoulder injury from bench press?
The most common shoulder injury associated with the bench press is rotator cuff damage, which includes strains or tears in one of the four tendons that stabilize the joint. This type of injury often results from improper form or overloading weight during exercise.
Does shoulder impingement go away?
Shoulder impingement can resolve with appropriate treatment measures like rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy focused on strengthening surrounding muscles for better support. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief after several months, more invasive options like corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered.
Conclusion
Shoulder pain when benching may be due to a variety of causes, such as incorrect form, muscular discrepancies, or existing traumas. However, there are ways to prevent and treat shoulder pain when benching.
One of the main causes of shoulder pain when bench pressing is improper form. To avoid this, it’s important to keep your shoulder blades retracted and your elbows flared out slightly. This will help to keep your shoulder joint in a stable position and reduce the risk of shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tears.
In addition to proper form, incorporating strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff muscles and thoracic spine can also help to prevent shoulder pain when bench pressing. These exercises can help to improve the stability of the shoulder joint and reduce the risk of injury.
If you’re already experiencing shoulder pain when benching, it’s important to seek professional help from a physical therapist or chiropractor. They can help to identify the underlying cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan to address it. This may include exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles, manual therapy to improve the mobility of the shoulder joint, or other forms of physical therapy.
Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back from your fitness goals. With the right techniques and professional help, you can eliminate shoulder pain when bench pressing and continue your upper body workouts with confidence.
Visit Grand Health Chiropractic today to learn more about how our team of experts can help you overcome shoulder pain and achieve optimal health.