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Rock climbing and shoulder pain

I am planning on taking a three month NOLS course this fall in which we have 2-3 weeks of intense rock climing. There are also several weeks of kayaking. I am begining to ge worried about how my shoulders will hold up. I haven’t seen a doctor, but from the research I’ve done I think I probably have multidirectional instability (some subluxation, positive sulcus sign) and possibly impingement or a labral tear related to that. I have pain on the front and side of both shoulders (R is worse) and it often radiates down my upper arm. Both shoulder pop and grind a lot. I can reproduce the worst pain by crossing my arm in front of my body, towards the opposite hip, and internally rotating it. It also hurts to reach up behind my back and raise my hand behind my head. I don’t have pain all the time, just when I do certain things.

I went climing at an indoor wall for the first time a few weeks ago and heard/felt a pop in my right shoulder during one hold. It hurt a little, but didn’t feel too bad so I kept climbing. For a week or so afterwards both shoulders really bothered me (especially the right one). I am concerned that this fall my shoulders won’t hold up to several weeks of continuous climbing.

Has anyone experienced the symptoms? Anyone climb/kayak with bad shoulders? I’d be interested to hear of anyone’s experiences and any suggestions anyone has. Thanks!

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1 Comment found

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    Hi mtnclimber,

    Sounds like you have the mother of all cases of rotator cuff tendonitis. You are correct to be concerned about your shoulders. I would suggest a doc visit with an eye toward getting some physical therapy for your shoulders.

    If my guess is correct about whats wrong, you’ll probably get some exercises to do daily and instructions on taking anti-inflammatories and using ice.

    Be diligent with these exercises, if it is just a strength issue ( and it could be ) you could be in pretty good shape fairly quickly. Otherwise, a doc’s exam will determine what (else) is wrong and what to do about it.

    Good Luck,
    Muscledawg.

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