Denchap

Since I started working out again after taking it fairly easy for a couple of years, some old problems have resurfaced, including costo chondritis (inflamed cartilage where ribs attach to sternum) and tendinits (especially right shoulder). I'd like to increase strength with some heavier weights, but as I try to do so, these problems recur. Mainly I run, but I need to do some lifting, too. Anyway, I'm new here, and these concerns are how I found the site, so if you want to make suggestions, fire away.

Denchap

squanto

i duno... but i know my sister had tendinitis of the right shoulder from swimming. id just take it easy man... talk to a doctor. tendinitis is pretty serious, you dont want to permanently mess up your shoulder. i dont know about costo chondritis tho..

instant

tendonitious normally isn't very serious - make sure you ice your shoulder after all activities, take anti-inflamatories and make sure you warm up really well. I've had tendonitous many times and that is what I always get from the dr.

Denchap

Yes, I agree with you. It can become serious if you perpetuate it through abuse and neglect, but with basic good sense, it's manageable. I'm about to go work out again, and I'll do a better warm-up this time and use some caution on the presses.

Denchap

DrChiro

I would lay off delt work for a while and concentrate on rotator cuff exercises (if you want to know WHY this is important I can go into it...or just take my word for it....let me know)

As far as the rib problems I would look at your form and ROM on chest exercises (flys and presses)...try to not go TOO far back as this may irritate the sternal articulations of the ribs if you are prone to this problem. Play around with the moves to see if it helps...if not let me know!

My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right.

When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.

DrChiro

i figure someone wants to know about the rotator cuff...so here it goes!

deltoid muscles raise the humerus during abduction of the shoulder...this approximates the space between the acromion and the humeral head putting pressure on the supraspinatus tendon leading to tendonitis and possibly a tear in the future.

the rotator cuffs (in general) depress or lower the humeral head during abduction of the shoulder, taking pressure off the supraspinatus tendon.

most people work their delts but not their rotator cuff and will eventually develop shoulder problems...DONT be one of those people, stop it NOW before it gets worse!

My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right.

When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.

Denchap

Thanks Chiro. I also decided, in addition to a more thorough warm-up, to be careful on the extreme ends of the ROM of presses as well as dumbell rows. So far, much progress without medication. For dumbbell shoulder presses, I use 2/3 the weight in my recommended workout but do 15 reps instead of 8. I've never stressed deltoids that much anyway and have always been careful with shoulders, but once in a while I get some tension in my infraspinatus and tend to have crepitus in the subscapularis -- not so much painful as a nuisance. With my prostate gone the past few years, I wonder whether my body has enough testosterone to build much muscle, but I'm trying to stay fit.

Denchap

DrChiro

Test is made in the testicles and adrenal medulla mostly, so dont worry about the prostate...you got enough test! (it may be a good idea to get your hormones checked if you are feeling sluggish as some do decline naturally with age...I am not big on hormone replacement therapy, but you may look into some natural alternatives...maybe try some DHEA...i would stay away from the newest, trendy prohormones in the beginning...experiment with those later if you like)

as far as working the delts, they recieve alot of stimulation in chest movements (presss) as well, so please do add in the rotator cuff exercises (internal and external rotation)

My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right.

When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.

Denchap

Thanks for the reassuring advice, Chiro!

Denchap