Shoulder pain only when running, possible causes?

[LoungeLizard2018]

W3R3 Complete, yay! However... when I run and only when I run, I get pain in my right shoulder just below the neck. I'm a southpaw so its my weaker side. Curious if anyone knows of possible causes? Appreciate this isn't a medical forum, but wonder if there is a common cause of this for runners from experience? Cheers 🤔

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I don’t know that particular pain, but if only when running it doesn’t sound serious... have you tried YTW exercise? Could help if it’s an issue with joint mobility.

[LoungeLizard2018 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I'd never heard of YTW exercise until I read your reply. Maybe something for me to think about for the future, certainly something in it. Cheers! 😁

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to LoungeLizard2018]

There’s a few variants, standing one is easier to start with.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Keep an eye on it and if it gives you too much trouble get it checked out. One possible cause could be you are tensing your shoulders while you run. This can make them ache a bit. I find that when I feel under pressure my shoulders rise up towards my ears and my whole upper body feels tense. To combat this I try and relax and shake my arms a bit to feel a bit more relaxed.

[LoungeLizard2018 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Great advice, I think you've nailed it. Relaxed my shoulders a bit more and kept my hands loser and, no pain this eve 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Probably tension..many folk, during the early runs hold themselves very tightly when running..( sheer concentration perhaps).

Try to relax, shake out your arms, hands and drop your shoulders...we have this happen to a lot of the folk on here

Try to land lightly, I call it kissing the ground with your feet... relax your hands as if you were gently holding a bag of crisps.. and not crushing them You will get the idea and it will get easier...

Try these exercises in this article too..

verywellfit.com/how-to-avoi...

[LoungeLizard2018 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Some great advice and link. Relaxed the shoulders and hands this eve and hey presto, no pain!! Glad I asked now 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LoungeLizard2018]

Great stuff... I still have to remember to shake the shoulders and hands out on some runs xx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Are you carrying something in your hands?........phone or water bottle...... This can create tensions and asymmetry, so best avoided.

[LoungeLizard2018 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for the tip, I keep my hands free, but helpful for future reference, cheers!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

I find I occasionally tense up. I try to check my shoulders are not rising a few times during the run. I also try to remember to exercise hands and fingers so I'm not holding them in the same position throughout. I do simple neck and shoulder exercises after running to try and ensure no lasting tension/pain. Just a few minutes is needed 👍

[LoungeLizard2018 Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Pretty sure that was the issue so putting these words of wisdom into practice, thank you! 😁

[bunty65 Graduate]

Hi, as it doesn't sound like it is a common problem I would recommend speaking to your GP. It may only be when you are running but if running is the only time you are increasing your aerobic activity and heart rate then it could be related to a medical issue that should be checked. As you say this isn't a medical forum but I haven't heard it come up before and there are lots of runners. Better to be safe than sorry.

[LoungeLizard2018 Graduate in reply to bunty65]

I'm relativley fit playing footie and cycling, just not running for sustained periods. Thanks to some of the responses I think I've nailed the issue. Thank you for the concern, much appreciated! 😀