Most recently, it's an aggravated supraspinatus muscle and tendon, and maybe a little bit of biceps tendon inflammation to boot. The supraspinatus lies under AC joint (where the acromion and clavicle meet)and attaches to the humeral head, assisting in shoulder abduction (think overhead movements).
Due to it's location under the bony prominence of the acromion and the large number of tendon and ligaments attaching in the area, the supraspinatus can become irritated when it rubs against the acromion too much, too often, with too much pressure. Which can happen with doing too much of the same movements, particularly if there are any muscular imbalances lending to poor body mechanics.
My back looked nice, and my lats helped me do pull ups...AND caused too much internal rotation of the humerus, winging of of scapula (particularly on the left side), contributing to poor form (what, ME?!?), ultimately resulting in way too much pressure and friction on my little supraspinatus. Oooops. Which has landed me in physical therapy as I could not make 'physician, heal thyself' happen. (Believe me, I tried. For 6 weeks. About 4 weeks too many, word to the wise....)
And this is where I begin to say, once again, that I owe a debt of gratitude to my injury. Injuries, really, this not being my first!
Here, in no particular order, are the reasons I am grateful to my injuries:
- Injuries make me learn. MORE. Having an injury thrusts me into another level of awareness of anatomical function, muscular imbalances, postural issues and compensations in exercise.
- Injuries make me focus on what matters: It has forced me to reexamine my beliefs and practices, both in my own fitness and that of my friends, family and clients. The timing of my own injury has prompted me to make professional connections with two outstanding physical therapists, who love to teach as much as treat. Spending at least 2 hours a week in their clinic for my own treatment, I have also been able to observe the treatment of many others with a variety of injuries. ALL. GOOD. STUFF.
- Injuries make me humble. Every so often I get lured into thinking I'm Superwoman or a Machine. Um, yeah, no. It's good to be reminded the rules still apply to me, that I need to care for the one package I have to carry me through the next 60 years. To be reminded that I'd like to be able to reach the top shelf independently without pain for the rest of my life, not just crank out more pull ups (although being able to do pull ups feels pretty badass....)
- Injuries cultivate a higher level of empathy for my clients, family, friends, acquaintances, strangers in public needing help from braces, crutches, what-have-you....This not only makes me a better and more effective trainer and group fitness instructor, it makes me a better human. Again, good stuff.
- Injuries cultivate an even higher level of tenacity. I can give up and give in, or I can dig deep and keep after the daily work until I reach my goals. Again.
