shoulder issue?

Question

i'm a swimmer and i've just recently started having issues with my shoulder. it hurts when i do any sort of stroke and put pressure on my shoulder blade. my coach thinks i might have pulled a muscle, but i'm wondering what i need to look out for if it is a pull... (i would have gone to my school trainer, but hes gone for the next couple of days at his other school...) thank you!!

i can also add info if you want to know anything :)

its also not too bad of pain, but still hurts if i push myself at all.

Answer 1

tenderness is usually a good enough sign to deem the RICE treatment. If your ROM (range of motion) is diminished that would also be an indicator that you should start an icing regimen, esp. if you want to remain competitive. Range of motion is tested by circular arm motions and raising your arm from your side all the way out w/o bending your elbow. Diminished range doesn't mean you cant actually make the motion it means that anywhere in the course of running your shoulder through those motions you feel pain or tenderness.

If so, RICE

Rest from arm activities for a couple weeks
Begin Icing your shoulder for 15 to 30 at a time every few hours or when convenient
A shoulder immobilizer or arm sling can aid in reminding you not to strain your shoulder, they can be purchased at the the drug store for a few bucks
Making sure your sleep and rest posture is correct and keeping your shoulder in a neutral position while you're healing is a important factor as well

I think the main fault people have is they treat a strain or pull as an insignificant thing, then slowly it becomes tenderness, then pain...
You want to avoid all that so the best method is to make a semi-big deal about it now while it isn't too much of a bother in order to skip the later agony of missing meets etc...

Good Luck!

P.S. as an athlete I am fairly certain you probably know all that stuff, but sometimes we get so focused on not being injured we can't recognize a need for some basic TLC

Answer 2

I would get it checked by a orthopedic surgeon. It shoulder be a rotater cuff tear. Very common, and RC do require surgery. I worked for a shoulder specialist for awhile.