The shoulder is composed of a ball-in-socket joint. This gives the shoulder joint a particularly large range of motion when it functions properly.
However, the design of the shoulder joint also contributes to the risk of dislocation. When your gym routine involves weight training, you face a higher risk of a shoulder injury.
Improper lifting techniques and attempting to lift too much weight are common causes of joint and muscle damage. Each injury is unique.
The nature of the physical damage resulting from your accident will determine how to recover. Shoulder/gym injury accidents can be complex, depending on the circumstances of your case. The most common types of shoulder injuries caused by gym activities are:
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff damage is the leading cause of gym shoulder injuries. The rotator cuff is composed of muscles that sit along the outside of the ball of the shoulder.
The four muscles of the rotator cuff function to move the shoulder. These muscles can become damaged as the result of repetitive motion. For instance, overhead lifting can cause the shoulder blade to pinch the rotator cuff muscles. Over time, this may result in damage to the muscles.
Rotator cuff damage can also lead to overworked tendons. Tendonitis may be an outcome of overwork or repetitive motions. Ignoring this type of pain may result in a tear in the muscles of the rotator cuff.
If you believe that you have sustained damage to your rotator cuff, make sure to seek medical treatment immediately. A medical professional can help you understand how to recover. A shoulder injury in gyms is not uncommon, unfortunately. In some instances, rotator cuff injuries may require surgery.
Weightlifter’s Shoulder (Distal Clavicular Osteolysis)
Another common gym injury is known as the “weightlifter's shoulder.” Any type of weightlifting motion that requires the person to lower their elbows behind their shoulders can cause this condition.
The location where the shoulder connects to the collarbone is called the “acromioclavicular” (AC) joint. Weightlifter's shoulder occurs when this joint is affected by tiny fractures or tears in the associated bone or soft tissue.
Common lifts that require this type of movement include the bench press and chest fly. When this joint is overworked, you can experience the following symptoms:
- Aching and dull pain
- Tenderness
- Decreases in strength
- Pain in the upper extremities
- Disruptions in sleep
If you believe that you have sustained this type of gym injury, speak with a medical care provider.
Shoulder Dislocation
Gym members of all levels of investment can experience shoulder dislocation injuries. This type of accident happens when the ball of the shoulder joint slips out of place.
When the ball has become dislocated, it can shift forward, backward, or down. Typically, this type of shoulder injury occurs as the result of a significant impact. But over-rotating the shoulder can also cause the joint to become dislocated.
Some of the common symptoms of a shoulder dislocation include:
- Visible deformity of the shoulder
- Bruising and swelling
- Inability to move the shoulder or decreased range of motion
- Intense and lasting pain
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pain in the neck or arms
- Muscle spasms
You should speak with a doctor as soon as possible following a shoulder dislocation. They can ensure that you receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatments for your injury.