Training with Costocondritis?

[costocondritis]

I have been suffering from Costocondritis on and off for about 5 years. Since, training has not been the same because my sternum is always in pain. I can't bench anymore; sometime I do push up for my chest. Basically, it suck because I lost so much muscle. I miss training so much and being able to do heavy weight. More importantly, I miss how I use to look like in my tshirts. I need advice. Anybody out there training with this sternum/joint pain? How did you guys get around it? Please don't tell me to not train or rest because it makes no difference. Please help, I hate looking skinny and feeling weak.

 

[jmorrison]

I dont think that Bench press is neccessary to overall development. I am not familiar with your issue, but can you still squat/deadlift and can you do any other pressing exercises like military press??

 

[costocondritis]

I still squat and I remember at one point eventhough that was all I did, my upper body seem to still be in tact. It's just I miss my chest workout and as you know a good shoulder is a result of a good looking chest too. I lack that nice deltoid because I have no chest. Military press is cool but I can't go heavy w/o putting pressure on my sternum. There must be something I can do.

I dont think that Bench press is neccessary to overall development. I am not familiar with your issue, but can you still squat/deadlift and can you do any other pressing exercises like military press??

 

[CowPimp]

Honestly, us throwing out suggestions is silly. No matter what we tell you, you are still going to have to try things out. There's no way around it. Just try variations of pressing using different inclines, dumbbells, cables, pushup variations, etc. You can do weighted pushups too, if that's the only thing that doesn't aggravate your problem.

Honestly, this is not the place to go for dealing with a medical condition. I suggest seeking out a certified professional and seeing if he/she has any suggestions for you.

 

[costocondritis]

Appreciate the honesty. My doctor is useless.