Will Shoulder Presses lead to Cuff Injuries

M

motorcitymadnes

0
All right guys I have a friend who used to and still is very into weightlifting, I like to do the shoulder presses behind the head as a part of my workout routine, now my friend told me that shoulder presses behind the head can lead to rotator cuff problems down the line like in 3 or 4 years since I'm 30 now, does anyone know of shoulder presses behind the head being too hard on your upper arms....

He was really telling me that he knows guys that have had surgeries on their shoulders just because of that one lift....

Is this truth, fiction, or what? Just wondering, because I love my shoulder presses.....
 
Rotator cuff injuries are a side effect of a shoulder impingement. Shoulder press is a good exercise, but you should not do it too often. Substitue a lateral raise at least half of the time. Also train your rotator cuff and you will not have a problem.

The reason is, if your deltoids, specifically your middle delt, become vastly stronger than your rotator cuff, they will pull your shoulder joint up and out of proper alignment, potentially creating a pinch point between your humerus (arm bone) and acromion process (upper-outer edge of your shoulder blade) and can crush your bursa, some tendons, and potentially ligaments deeper in the joint.

This is tough to explain thoroughly without using a bunch of anatomical lingo. Google search "Shoulder impingement". You will find all the info you need.
 
Never do shoulder presses behind the neck rather in front.

Also, do lots of rows to keep the shoulder balanced, bentover rows, cable rows, upright row, deadlifts, vertical rows IE chinups/pullddowns.

Also take a look at this:
 
Crazylegs got your phys lesson, that's the science. Personally I've done barbell behind the head shoulder presses for about 4 years (i go all the way down to the bottom of my neck) and have had no problems (I work my cuff twice a week). I've actually had an impinging shoulder ~5 years ago due to too many presses, while not working my cuff.
 
Good Advice.....

Damn thanks for the advice guys now what types of things can I do to stregthen my rotator cuff and is there a replacement excercise I can do instead of the behind the head shoulder press....
 
CrazyLegs hit it on the button. So now take it from a guy who had RTC surgery and rehabbed for a year! Perform your RTC PRE-habilitation exercises first as part of the warm up:

External/internal rotatiojn
Cuban Presses
Y, T, W, Ls
Push-Up Pluses
Scap Retraction
Mid-Trap Raises
Y-Presses

I know yuo probably have never heard of these exercises, becasue no one does them until they are injured! By then it is to late! Visit my site for more info:
 
If you are experiencing shoulder pain due to a rotator cuff you should avoid, behind the neck exercises, Shoulder Presses, Lateral Raises, Upright Rows, or any exercises that involve Shoulder Flexion... BUT... if you are not experiencing shoulder pain, go ahead and try a few exercises below...

--- Shoulder ---
Lateral Raises, DB Shoulder Press, Arnold Press, Front Raises, Rear Delt Flys, Pullovers, Various Rows, Shrugs, Upper Cut Overhead DB Press, etc...

--- Rotator Cuff ---
PNF Patterns D1 & D2, External/Internal Rotation (w/ arm down to side or up at 90 degrees), Scaptation

*NOTE* These exercises need to be performed w/ weight UNDER 5 pounds, 2 Sets @ 20-25 Reps... (Average deltiod takes over after 5 pounds)
 
One of the main reasons you shouldnt press behind your head is cos of the danger. If you lifting a weight that challenges you, there is a chance of failing to push the last rep. Therfore if you got a bar behind your head and you cant push it up, it only got your neck to land on.

I dont knw about you guys but i would not risk breaking my neck for an extra lil bit of muscle.

It might be better for building muscle, it might not. But at the end of the day... is it worth the risk?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top