Rotator Cuff Injury

[jas1990]

Hi everyone. I'm an active 22 year old male. Last Friday was my shoulder day in the gym. I went out later that night and had drinks with some friends. Sooner or later, I ended up in a drunken arm wrestling match. Bad idea. I went against a friend in my one and only match. We had a long struggle, and finally I got him down. As I pinned him, I felt a popping sensation, followed by shoulder pain.

The shoulder pain was pretty bad that night, and pretty sore the next day. Today is Wednesday, so it's been close to 5 days. The pain seems to be a little bit better each day, and I don't really notice it at rest. I still have almost full motion of my shoulder. I can extend it completely out to the side and over my head with minimal pain. The only restriction I have is if I put arm behind my back and try to raise it so that I touch the center of my back with my thumb. I can almost get it as far as my non-injured arm, but there is a sharp pain if I try to completely extend it up my back.

Does this sound like a rotator cuff tear, or maybe just a strain/tendonitis? I lift weights 4-5 times a week and would like to be able to get back in when the pain subsides, but I'm wondering if my situation sounds like one that will get better with rest, or if surgery might be required? It doesn't really affect my sleeping. There is some initial discomfort if I lay on my right side where the injury is, but I can still sleep on it.

Thanks so much!

[jas1990]

I appreciate the reply. I went to the gym today and worked my legs, and decided to do 3 sets of 10 very light reps on 2 different shoulder machines - one that is a lateral raise to the side and another that was a shoulder press above the head. I had no trouble or pain doing these two, so I'm pretty sure the injury is a minor one. The two concerns I had were the initial popping sensation when it first happened, and the fact that I can't raise my arm behind my back as far as I can with my non-injured arm. I will be seeing a doctor if it doesn't continue improving in the next 2 weeks. Thanks again.

[asura28]

I would try resting for a while and lighten up on your shoulder exercises.  probably just a strain but it never hurts to be careful.  Shoulders take forever to heal. Rest, ice and NSAIDS are the order of the day.  If it is still bothering you after 2 weeks or so, I would get seen to be safe.