Pain with the Overhead Press?

Asked by: Laura Hill

When you lift your arms overhead, the scapula should rotate upwards by gliding over the ribs. If the scapula is not moving correctly, the rotator cuff muscles must work much harder to get the arm overhead. Over time these muscles become overworked and get irritated, which may lead to pain.

Why does my shoulder hurt during overhead press?

The most common cause of shoulder pain is rotator cuff tendonitis — inflammation of key tendons in the shoulder. The earliest symptom is a dull ache around the outside tip of the shoulder that gets worse when you push, pull, reach overhead, or lift your arm up to the side.

How do I stop overhead press shoulder pain?

Right up without any issues if you want pain-free pressing you're gonna have to make sure that you maintain. And maximize all the external rotation that you have in your shoulder.

Why do I struggle with overhead press?

You Need to Strengthen Your Rotator Cuff



Weakness in your rotator cuff can also be a reason you’re struggling with the overhead press exercise, according to Chan. “Poor stability of the rotator cuff may increase the risk of shoulder impingement when you’re doing an overhead press,” Chan says.

Can overhead press cause injury?

The overhead press is one of the best exercises for developing your deltoids. The problem is there is a high risk of injury without appropriate mobility or stability.

How do I know if I have damaged my rotator cuff?

Signs of a rotator cuff tear include: Difficulty and pain caused by raising your arm. Popping or clicking sounds or sensations when moving your arm. Shoulder pain that worsens at night or when resting your arm.

Can a rotator cuff heal on its own?

In most cases, a rotator cuff tear will not heal on its own. If your pain and other symptoms persist despite conservative treatment such as steroid injections and physical therapy, it’s time to speak with a shoulder specialist. Surgical repair is often necessary to restore shoulder function and relieve pain.

Is overhead press bad for shoulders?

Shoulder impingement can certainly be worsened by overhead pressing movements, but in most cases is not caused by pressing overhead. Shoulder impingement is a common painful shoulder condition in which the subacromial space (area underneath the acromion) can become encroached that leads to pain.

How long does rotator cuff tendonitis take to heal?

Usually, a specific traumatic rotator cuff will heal in 2 to 4 weeks. But if it is a severe injury, or it is a chronic injury from wear, it may require months to improve. If the pain is getting in the way of your daily life or you injure yourself again, your doctor might suggest: Steroids.

How long does it take for your rotator cuff to heal?

It takes six to eight weeks for the tendon to heal to the bone. Complete recovery time varies by size of the tear. For a small tears, full recovery time is about four months, for large tears, six months. For severe, massive tears, a complete recovery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

What is the best treatment for shoulder tendonitis?

How is shoulder tendonitis treated?

• Rest.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Strengthening exercises.
• Physical therapy.
• Ultrasound therapy.
• Corticosteroid shot (injection)
• Surgery (for severe injuries or tears)

Does shoulder press use rotator cuff?

The press translates extremely well to everyday tasks because it strengthens the rotator cuff in the way it works in real life scenarios – to stabilize the humeral head within the shoulder joint. If you want to train all the muscles of the shoulder, the press is your jam.