Completed Week 4 but small shoulder pains?

[MattWFC]

Newbie here and definitely a newbie to running. I’ve today completed week four and haven’t had too many problems with general fitness levels but the five minute runs this week have left me with a slight pain in my left shoulder down to around the shoulder blade. It’s not crippling but it’s noticeable and I’m worried it might get worse in next weeks 20minute run. It’s gone as soon as I stop running.

Any ideas what this might be? Running style?

Thanks in advance. Keep up the great effort, everyone.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes a link to a piece about posture.

The other possibility is if you are carrying anything in your hands. This can cause asymmetric tensions leading to neck and shoulder pains.

Enjoy your journey.

[Bassmamma15 Graduate]

Were you carrying a water bottle or something? I’ve read this can affect one side or another and you should use a belt but perhaps you are not straight, more leaning into the run? Also neck pain can cause referral pain to the shoulder so check that too

[MattWFC Graduate in reply to Bassmamma15]

Thanks both. I’m not carrying anything. My phone is in my left pocket but wouldn’t think that would make too much difference?! I’ll read about posture and see if there’s anything I’m doing wrong.

[Issywhizz Graduate in reply to MattWFC]

Hey did you find any info out on the shoulder pain? Did you change anything to help? I did a run yesterday W4 R1 and since the evening I have had neck pain. As kindly advised on here yesterday, I think it’s due to be carrying my phone whilst running, but I was just wondering if you’d found any further info out that may help?

[MattWFC Graduate]

I didn’t change anything other than tried to focus more on my breathing as a few people said shoulders are linked to your breathing/diaphragm?

I still carry my phone but I haven’t had any shoulder issues since week 4. I still get a slight bit of back pain but it’s minor and I’m hoping it will go away.

Hope you manage to fix your neck pain.