So, in a follow-up to my other post about PT recommendations, I ended up seeing an Ortho. Did an x-ray and diagnosed as Distal Clavicle Osteolysis in my left shoulder. Anyone dealt with this before? For now, they prescribed an anti-inflammatory and PT twice a week. Go back in 4 weeks to see if it helps. Next would be a steroid shot and lastly surgery. No overhead presses, bench / chest presses, no lifting overhead. Kind of sucks having to scrap a portion of my workouts for now, but at least I can still squat / deadlift. Not sure what, if anything, I can do for chest and shoulders for now, but I'll see what PT looks like next week.

I've treated this a bunch of times. Wise to back off those exercises you listed and slowly bring them back on board. What led to this to begin with? Was it those exercises?

aggiederelict said:

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I've treated this a bunch of times. Wise to back off those exercises you listed and slowly bring them back on board. What led to this to begin with? Was it those exercises?

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I'm honestly not entirely sure what caused it. My son and I were on a canoe / camping trip in Canada back in July, and at some point there I did something that felt like I overstretched / strained the same shoulder. But, when we got back and went to the gym, I was able to lift as normal, although with a little soreness. Nothing bad though.

Then about 2 weeks ago, we went to the gym and I couldn't do shoulder presses without a lot of pain. Had to stop during warmups. And I haven't been able to bench since. At the same time, I'm not entirely clear on what exactly causes this typically. Also, is it something that once it's better and the pain is gone and my range of motion is good, will I be good to lift as normal again, or will I risk re-irritating it by benching / overhead pressing? Is it something that can clear up enough to lift heavy again? What have you seen in your experience with patients?

jtraggie99 said:

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aggiederelict said:

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I've treated this a bunch of times. Wise to back off those exercises you listed and slowly bring them back on board. What led to this to begin with? Was it those exercises?

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I'm honestly not entirely sure what caused it. My son and I were on a canoe / camping trip in Canada back in July, and at some point there I did something that felt like I overstretched / strained the same shoulder. But, when we got back and went to the gym, I was able to lift as normal, although with a little soreness. Nothing bad though.

Then about 2 weeks ago, we went to the gym and I couldn't do shoulder presses without a lot of pain. Had to stop during warmups. And I haven't been able to bench since. At the same time, I'm not entirely clear on what exactly causes this typically. Also, is it something that once it's better and the pain is gone and my range of motion is good, will I be good to lift as normal again, or will I risk re-irritating it by benching / overhead pressing? Is it something that can clear up enough to lift heavy again? What have you seen in your experience with patients?

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Just following up on this. Been going to PT now for two weeks now. Not much progress yet, and any attempts to bench or overhead press are pretty much not working right now (even just the bar). Yeah, I know, it's only two weeks. Of course, the PT my doc sent me to apparently believes you should never lift weights over heard (as it will destroy your shoulders, according to him). Of course, he also told me you should never do weighted squats below 45 degrees, as it will do the same to your knees. Never mind I've been doing squats to parallel for over 30 years and my knees are fine.

Would really like to hear your thoughts on your experiences treating this. My goal is just to get back to being able to comfortably do chest and overheard presses, whatever that takes (be it PT or surgery). I just can't help feeling that I may be wasting time and money on PT right now.

Time to find a new PT. Where are you located?

aggiederelict said:

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Time to find a new PT. Where are you located?

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McKinney.

Who sent you to this PT? Your doc? Do you need to use insurance or not?

aggiederelict said:

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Who sent you to this PT? Your doc? Do you need to use insurance or not?

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Yes, it was one the orthopedist recommended, although he did say I can use anyone I want. I would prefer to use insurance.

Ok let me see if i can find a clinic in your area. I am in Austin dont know much about the clinics up there.

aggiederelict said:

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Ok let me see if i can find a clinic in your area. I am in Austin dont know much about the clinics up there.

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Thanks man. Appreciate anything you can pass along.

Oh boy… I have absolutely dealt with this but think I am good for now (knocks on wood).

Mine was self inflicted from benching "too heavy" while failing to isolate and strengthen my AC joint. My shoulder hurt at a very precise location on the front between front and lateral delt. Once I couldn't sleep through the night, because I sleep on stomach, and when my bench started consistently decreasing, I knew it was time to go see doctor.

First time I had it, I opted for a cortisone shot and it helped significantly for about 2-3 months. I ignored the PT recommendation because they sent me with a paper with recommended exercises and I knew how to do them properly (arrogance is not a good thing).

After about 4-5 months pain was back at same level prior to shot. Went back to Ortho and got another shot. That time it lasted about 1.5 months before the pain came back. The majority of my pain came the day after push day. I never experienced pain during any pressing lift, sans OHP. I eventually stopped all OHP to try and help alleviate the pain.

The 3rd time I went back they gave me another Cortisone shot but then went to PT, something I should have done all along. We focused on strengthening AC joint but also a lot of other exercises for middle back. I honestly don't remember why but they pointed out that my lats were taking over but it was an observation during my evaluation.

What you need to do:

Go to PT and work on AC joint/tendon strengthening. External rotations, banded rotations, and a few other things help significantly.

Hit these exercises 2-3 times a week at least. I can add a few more exercises like dumbbell external rotation with elbow on knee and controlled eccentric.

I would limit or even eliminate OHP for now… I did for about 1.5 years and I think that also helped. I recently added dumbbell OHP back with heavier weight and (knocks on wood) haven't had any issues.

I would also evaluate your form on bench press. Not saying it contributes to it, but I think it is a good idea to double check. Aggie Derelict on this thread is a trusted person on this.

The good news is that my bench is now probably 60lbs more than it was and I haven't really had any pain since religiously working on AC joint/tendon. It took some time but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I've hit a few PRs in the last 6 months so I'd say I'm not limited. Although I still don't do OHP with barbell and am very careful how much I do on dumbbells. Usually 2-3 sets of 6-8 reps or more… I don't go heavier than that and probably won't ever again.

Not sure how much that helps but feel free to reach out with any questions. I hope you get to feeling better!

My contact says Joshua Walters. Lifting coach and PT. Not sure if he takes insurance.

ttha_aggie_09 said:

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Oh boy… I have absolutely dealt with this but think I am good for now (knocks on wood).

Mine was self inflicted from benching "too heavy" while failing to isolate and strengthen my AC joint. My shoulder hurt at a very precise location on the front between front and lateral delt. Once I couldn't sleep through the night, because I sleep on stomach, and when my bench started consistently decreasing, I knew it was time to go see doctor.

First time I had it, I opted for a cortisone shot and it helped significantly for about 2-3 months. I ignored the PT recommendation because they sent me with a paper with recommended exercises and I knew how to do them properly (arrogance is not a good thing).

After about 4-5 months pain was back at same level prior to shot. Went back to Ortho and got another shot. That time it lasted about 1.5 months before the pain came back. The majority of my pain came the day after push day. I never experienced pain during any pressing lift, sans OHP. I eventually stopped all OHP to try and help alleviate the pain.

The 3rd time I went back they gave me another Cortisone shot but then went to PT, something I should have done all along. We focused on strengthening AC joint but also a lot of other exercises for middle back. I honestly don't remember why but they pointed out that my lats were taking over but it was an observation during my evaluation.

What you need to do:

Go to PT and work on AC joint/tendon strengthening. External rotations, banded rotations, and a few other things help significantly.

Hit these exercises 2-3 times a week at least. I can add a few more exercises like dumbbell external rotation with elbow on knee and controlled eccentric.

I would limit or even eliminate OHP for now… I did for about 1.5 years and I think that also helped. I recently added dumbbell OHP back with heavier weight and (knocks on wood) haven't had any issues.

I would also evaluate your form on bench press. Not saying it contributes to it, but I think it is a good idea to double check. Aggie Derelict on this thread is a trusted person on this.

The good news is that my bench is now probably 60lbs more than it was and I haven't really had any pain since religiously working on AC joint/tendon. It took some time but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I've hit a few PRs in the last 6 months so I'd say I'm not limited. Although I still don't do OHP with barbell and am very careful how much I do on dumbbells. Usually 2-3 sets of 6-8 reps or more… I don't go heavier than that and probably won't ever again.

Not sure how much that helps but feel free to reach out with any questions. I hope you get to feeling better!

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Thanks man, that's really helpful info!

aggiederelict said:

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My contact says Joshua Walters. Lifting coach and PT. Not sure if he takes insurance.

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So, I looked the guy up. I'd definitely get in touch with him based on his background and your recommendation, but assuming it's the right guy, looks like he's in Fort Worth. Kind of far for me, unfortunately. But I did get a few other recommendations and found a guy in McKinney to try. Younger dude that appears to have a background in weightlifting. I guess that's a start. We shall see. First appointment next week.

Good to hear. Keep us updated to your progress.