So I've been dealing with some tendonitis in my left elbow for about a month now. It is way better and has been pain-free for over a week now. However last Monday while benching I felt a "strain" in my left upper pec while doing my last set. The next day I was unable to do a single push-up. Been alternating icing and heat all week. I'm able to do everything as far as pulling pain-free but just today doing a single push-up sends a sharp pain in my upper pec just below my clavicle. Anyone ever had this problem? I don't think it's torn as I have full mobility in my arm and shoulder...just unable to do any chest movement without pain. The pain is in the upper chest and radiates to the front of the shoulder and the trap muscle...but didn't hurt the other day when I deadlifted or did pulldowns. I'm planning on no pushing movements this week and continuing my current powerlifting workout with back and legs. Just sucks as I was planning on hitting a PL meet in middle October(hopefully will still make it). Any advice/help would be appreciated.
Thanks

Sorry to hear about the setback Todd. I agree that it does sound more like a strain than a tear.Good call, but I know how hard it can be to hold back when you have goals. I'm anxious to hear how your doing in about a week.

Hang in there!

Lift

Sorry to hear that. That sucks. I've suffered a few minor injuries since I started getting really serious earlier this year. I work out alone and I push too hard and don't know when to stop sometimes. Fortunatley, none have been serious enough that I couldn't find a way to work out around them. I've got a couple that I'm dealing with now. It doesn't help that my job is very physical in nature and often requires the movements that seem to irritate the injuries the most. Can't say I've had that particular one yet. I'm with Lift on this. Keep us posted. As for me I'm stretching more and doing more warm up sets

I had a small tear in my pec minor... It sucked.... U sound more like a strain Todd as far as what you are describing... I could still do other exercises like you mentioned but after seeing the doctor and specialist...he said no more lifting for 3 weeks and physical therapy 3 days per week for those weeks. Your pec attaches at the shoulder along with your biceps brachii tendon. Most likely the pain you are getting from the front of the shoulder area.. Directly underneath those, your pec minor attaches... My physical therapy consisted of ice, a tenz machine..(the electrical current thing) if you have one or know someone who does, that will help... Once you start back with your pushing movements, go slow and start light.. I know it sucks but am glad I did it that way.. I still have a little pain in my shoulder every now and then. also, u can hit 800mg ibu 3 times a day with food as well... just never exceed 2400mg.. will help with the inflamation..

Getnhuge wrote:
Super advice above...when you can push again I used 100s (reps) to work the affected area thru a range of motion w/o straining anything (weight isn't heavy enough). This helped me thru rotator cuff problems.