Shoulder Pain While Lifting: When to See a Physical Therapist 

Do you feel a sharp pinch when pressing overhead, or a dull ache after a heavy bench press session? Shoulder pain while lifting is a common frustration, and it's one that can quickly knock you off your fitness goals if you ignore it.

At Preserve Physical Therapy, Dr. Rupal Mehta, PT, MS, DPT, PhD, helps lifters in The Woodlands, Texas, and Magnolia, Texas, overcome these setbacks. If you're struggling with shoulder pain, we'll help you find the cause so you can get back to training safely.

Why shoulder pain while lifting is so common

The shoulder is a mobile joint, but that also makes it prone to injury. In fact, research published by the National Institutes of Health shows that the shoulder is the most frequently injured body region during upper body weightlifting, accounting for nearly 34% of these injuries.

Whether you're a casual gym-goer or a competitive athlete, lifting places demands on your joints. Another study from the National Institutes of Health notes that shoulder injuries are up to 46% of all reported physical injuries in weightlifting populations.

When should you see a physical therapist for shoulder pain?

You should see a physical therapist if your shoulder pain lasts more than a few days, worsens during or after lifting, or limits your range of motion. Ignoring these early warning signs can create a chronic issue. 

Many lifters worry that pain means they have a major injury, but that isn't always the case. A study in BMJ Open found that over 48% of full-thickness rotator cuff tears are completely asymptomatic, meaning pain is often caused by reversible tissue irritation.

How physical therapy helps you recover and stay strong

Resting and waiting for the pain to go away isn't the best approach for active lifters. Instead, active exercise therapies that improve how your shoulder blade moves and address rotation deficits are highly effective.

We focus on targeted rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder, which reduces inflammation and supports your tendons as they heal. This approach helps you maintain your strength while safely transitioning back to your regular lifting routine.

You don't have to lift through the pain or give up the gym. Contact our team at Preserve Physical Therapy today to schedule an evaluation at our Woodlands or Magnolia office.

If you are a person who loves lifting in the gym and have questions about how you can protect your shoulder, give us a call. Our office staff would love to help!