Working out with impingment syndrome

[Hawkens]

I was recently diagnosed with mild impingement syndrome in my left shoulder. My pain-free ROM is limited to about chest high with my arm extended directly in front of me not on antiinflammatory medication, and I'm mostly (I'd say about 99% pain-free, normal ROM) on Ibuprofen. I'm doing the exercises prescribed to me with a duraband, but I'm getting a bit antsy without my usual routine. I understand that overhead exercises like shoulder/military presses and pull ups aren't the best idea. However, on Ibuprofen, both movement do not induce pain. I know I should rest it, but is there any value in using the movement to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder? Is the possibility of doing damage greater than the possibility of rehabilitating it in this manner?

[Hawkens]

I'm sorry, I forgot to add this.

I am a Jiu Jitsu athlete and hurt my neck sparring. This was a week or two before my shoulder began hurting. Could these injuries be associated?

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

Pain is a warning signal. It's present when the brain detects a problem with some aspect of body function. It might help to think of it like a smoke alarm.

Ibuprofen does not correct the problem that the brain has detected. It simply blocks the nerve receptors from signaling the brain that something has gone wrong. It's about as effective as covering the smoke alarm with a pillow, or putting on headphones to block out the sound.

Just because your pain is significantly reduced by taking a pain killer does not mean that the area is fully functional and able to be exercised. There is certainly a possibility of doing more damage if you do not allow it to heal properly.

I believe there is a strong likelihood that the neck injury during sparring and the subsequent shoulder pain are correlated. If you have not seen a chiropractor yet, now would be a good time. The sooner the better.

If you'd like some assistance finding a specialist, there's a great referral directory on this website: www.UpCspine.com.

Warm wishes,
AT