Weightlifter’s shoulder, also known as distal clavicular osteolysis, is pain arising from the end of the collarbone. The bone undergoes swelling and breakdown, leading to pain near the acromioclavicular joint (or AC joint). This condition is often confused with other shoulder problems in weightlifters, such as AC joint degeneration or shoulder bursitis. So, how do you diagnose and treat the weightlifter’s shoulder?

Causes of weightlifter’s shoulder 

weightlifters shoulder

Typically, distal clavicular osteolysis arises from repetitive overload to the top of the shoulder near the AC joint. This overload causes a breakdown of the bone at the tip of the collarbone (clavicle), leading to swelling and pain. Classically, we see its condition in weightlifters and bodybuilders. However, we also see it in athletes who play contact or lift heavy weights. Occasionally, this condition could be caused by a fall onto the shoulder.

Diagnosis 

Typically, a diagnosis of weightlifters shoulder is made by the history and examination. In general, pain is worse during and after the gym. Usually, chest press and bench press are the most triggering activities.

Generally, there is tenderness at the tip of the collarbone. Often, people feel pain when moving the arm across the body. It is essential to rule out other causes, such as AC joint degeneration, rotator cuff tendonitis, and cartilage tears in the shoulder.

Distal clavicular osteolysis radiology

distal clavicular osteolysis on X-ray

Imaging can help confirm a diagnosis. X-rays reveal cysts and erosions at the tip of the collarbone. MRI shows bone swelling at the collarbone’s end and helps exclude other causes.

Is weightlifters shoulder different from AC joint arthritis? 

So, the simple answer is yes. In the weightlifting shoulder, the collarbone bone swells at the tip. This swelling occurs due to too much weight training, usually in younger people. On the contrary, AC joint arthritis is due to wear and tear in the joint and usually occurs in older people. In addition, the treatment of these conditions is different.

Treatment of weightlifters shoulder

Generally, we recommend conservative treatment for all cases of distal clavicular osteolysis.

First, rest from heavy weights is essential. We advise avoiding heavy pressing and overhead activities such as chest and shoulder presses. The more provocative exercises are incline bench press, incline dumbell press and heavy dips. However, you don’t have to stop weight training completely. You should be able to perform exercises such as decline barbell flies and machine chest press, which are less painful for distal clavicular osteolysis. Secondly, anti-inflammatory treatments such as ice and ibuprofen tablets help. Thirdly, physiotherapy helps regain function and lets you tiptoe slowly into heavier chest exercises. Overall, you should be patient and allow your collarbone time to heal.

In some cases, a cortisone injection directed to the AC joint and tip of the collarbone will help.

Finally, we use surgery to remove the tip of the collarbone in chronic cases. Often, surgeons excise swollen tissue and the end of the collar bone. Now, most surgeons do this procedure using a keyhole. However, recovery will take up to 3 months to return to heavy weights, although most people return to light weights after six weeks.

More about a cortisone injection for a weightlifter’s shoulder 

cortisone injection AC joint

Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug that reduces inflammation and pain. In distal clavicular osteolysis, a cortisone injection helps reduce inflammation in the collarbone, accelerating recovery. Generally, the effect of a cortisone injection lasts for a few months. Occasionally, it might last longer. Therefore, it’s essential to use this pain-free time to change your gym or exercise routine to allow your bone to heal. However, it would be best to be cautious about a fast return to heavy chest and shoulder exercises.

Generally, you should have a cortisone injection with ultrasound to improve accuracy and reduce side effects.

Training around the weightlifter’s shoulder 

Matt Curly, rehab injury specialist at Amp,  says most shoulder injuries in weightlifting occur due to an imbalance between pressing and horizontal pulling exercises. Generally, too many pressing and vertical pulls (ipull-upsllups) create an imbalance in the shoulder blade leading to injury.

Overall, imbalances of the shoulder blade can be corrected by stretching the pecs, back muscles, and upper traps. In addition, exercises such as scap push-ups will also help improve the shoulder blade’s movement. Also, actively controlling the shoulder blade’s direction during pressing or pulling improves shoulder blade control.

Another fundamental principle is to ensure you perform an equal volume of horizontal pulling exercises such as single arms rows, ring rows, and face pulls.

Final word from Sportdoctorlondon about weightlifter’s shoulder

Distal clavicular osteolysis is a painful condition suffered by athletes who don’t want to stop training. However, the good news is that most get better with relative rest from heavyweights, anti-inflammatory medications, and perhaps a cortisone injection. In the worst scenario, you will need surgery which is usually successful in almost all. You should see a doctor with experience diagnosing and managing this condition.

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Dr. Masci is a specialist sport doctor in London. 

He specialises in muscle, tendon and joint injuries.