Working out too much can result in this condition. Here’s how to treat it

Q. I’m a 40-year-old woman who works out in the gym regularly. About three months ago, I started to notice some mild pain in my left shoulder at night. Over the last month, my shoulder has become very painful and my motion has become more limited. It has been hard to sleep and I stopped going to the gym. Rest and Ibuprofen have not helped.

What do you think is wrong and how can I get better?

A. Many people from overuse can develop inflammation of the tendons that let you move and rotate your shoulder. Usually this tendinitis gets better with time and activity modification.

However, it is not uncommon in women between 35-55 who have a mild tendinitis or injury to begin to lose motion due to a buildup of scar tissue in the shoulder. This condition is adhesive capsulitis, which is more commonly known as a frozen shoulder.

As you lose more motion, more scar tissue develops and it becomes even more painful and harder to move. I recommend you see an orthopedic surgeon who can confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment. Treatment usually includes anti inflammatory medication and physical therapy to regain motion and strength.

Pain usually does not go away till your range of motion is restored. Once better, your physical therapist will modify your workout to help prevent a recurrence of symptoms.

Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat and director of Miami Sports Medicine Fellowship, Doctors Hospital. Send your questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net