Why Strength Athletes Struggle With Shoulder Pain and How to Fix It
Author: Wesley Desrosier PT, DPT, CSCS, Cert. DN
Owner of BAR Physical Therapy - Phoenix, Arizona
Specializing in rehab and performance for lifters, athletes, and active adults.
The Strong Shoulders Myth
For many lifters, “strong shoulders” are a badge of honor until that strength turns into stiffness, pinching, or pain every time you press overhead or bench press. At BAR Physical Therapy, we see this pattern all the time among Phoenix’s gym community. Whether you’re benching heavy, working on Olympic lifts, or grinding through a push day, shoulder pain isn’t just a random occurrence. It’s your body’s signal that something in your movement pattern needs attention.
Why Shoulder Pain Happens, Even When You Lift Smart
The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile (and therefore unstable) joints in the body. Over time, repetitive lifting can create muscle imbalances and joint stress that lead to:
• Rotator cuff irritation from overuse or poor scapular control
• Shoulder impingement due to limited thoracic mobility or poor posture
• Labrum strain from heavy pressing or jerky overhead lifts
• Tendon overload when pushing volume or intensity without recovery
Even if your form looks solid, the issue often lies in how your shoulder blade and ribcage move together, or how well your stabilizers fire under load.
The Fix: Rebuild Control Before Adding More Weight
At our clinic, we don’t just chase the pain, we correct the root cause. For most athletes, recovery starts with restoring shoulder and scapular mechanics before returning to max effort lifts. That might include:
Scapular retraction and upward rotation drills to improve stability
Thoracic mobility work to restore overhead range
Eccentric and isometric rotator cuff strengthening
Programming changes, like adjusting grip width or lifting cues
Once pain is under control, we help athletes rebuild movement confidence, then progressively reintroduce compound lifts with improved mobility and control.
When to Get Help
If your shoulder pain lasts longer than a week, keeps returning during training, or starting to affect your everyday lift. It’s time to get evaluated by a physical therapist. A tailored movement assessment can help identify your weak link whether it’s mobility, motor control, or recovery strategy.
At BAR Physical Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona, we specialize in helping athletes and lifters stay strong, move better, and lift longer without chronic shoulder pain holding them back.
Key Takeaways
✅ Shoulder pain is common in lifters, but never “normal.”
✅ The cause is often poor control or movement patterns, not just heavy weight.
✅ Addressing scapular and thoracic mobility can dramatically improve shoulder health.
✅ Physical therapy helps your longevity, not just recover faster.
Ready to Lift Without Pain?
If shoulder pain is limiting your training, we can help. Schedule an evaluation with BAR Physical Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona, today and get back to lifting stronger without pain holding you back.
👉 Call us or visit barphysicaltherapy.net to schedule your session online.