Weightlifter’s Shoulder Among Female Bodybuilders
Female bodybuilders are at a high risk for weightlifter’s shoulder, an overuse injury characterized by tiny fractures at the clavicle’s end. This can result in distal clavicular osteolysis, which refers to the breakdown of the bone at the injury’s site.
The shoulder is a set of three bones: the shoulder blade (scapula), the upper arm bone (humerus), and the collarbone (clavicle). In weightlifter’s shoulder, the most affected joint is the acromioclavicular (AC) joint.
The AC joint located in front of the shoulder is formed when the clavicle and acromion meet. There, the joint is held together by ligaments and tissues, which provide stability. These ligaments include the superior and inferior AC ligaments, coracoclavicular ligament, and the AC joint capsule (as well as the fibrocartilaginous disc, which provides essential cushioning and transmitting of loads).
Even with protective ligaments and tissues, however, the shoulder is still subjected to repetitive stress, tension and trauma caused by weightlifting movements. For example, the excessive traction from chest fly exercises and bench presses can result in tiny fractures to the clavicle’s distal end, mainly because the shoulders are subjected to excess extension. Among serious weightlifters, the bone usually has little to no chance of healing before the next training session starts – and can start to deteriorate.
While weightlifter’s shoulder may occur without any known trauma, the most common cause is repetitive stress, excess tension, and trauma to the upper extremity.
The symptoms of weightlifter’s shoulder are easy to spot, and include:
- Aching pain in the shoulder, especially at the AC joint
- Increased pain and tenderness when pressing on the AC joint
- Weakness in the shoulder
- Disruption in sleep when lying on the affected side
The symptoms are usually most severe during the night after a heavy session. Power clean exercises, throwing motions, and dips can worsen the symptoms.
If you suspect that you may have weightlifter’s shoulder, be sure to contact a Healthpointe professional for the appropriate non-surgical and surgical treatments. For more information, contact any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one in La Mirada by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs.
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.