Help with strengthening my shoulder?!
Question:
Help with strengthening my shoulder?
I play volleyball and I've noticed lately that whenever we serve a lot or hit a lot it really starts to hurt. I only have five pound weights so maybe something using that; any exercises that have worked for you? Or.. whenever I take ibuprofen like a half hour before I go, I'm fine. Should I just do that?
Answers:
It sounds like you play often, and you have caused strains in the shoulder muscles. Each time you go out you either maintain or worsen the problem.
You could take an anti-inflammatory drug which should work faster than ibuprofen, and last longer, but sometimes this is counter-productive, and makes you prone to injury.
What you almost certainly need costs less and will have an even longer benefit: stop playing for a week or more, and let it rest and heal. If your doctor thinks ibuprofen or something else will assist the rest, then do it, but note that it is unlikely you will get better until you give the shoulder a chance to heal.