Let's Talk Impingement:

In 2004, one of my goals was a world record in the 100% Raw Federation. I bumped up the intensity of my unequipped bench work outs and Nov. of 2004 in North Carolina at the 100% Raw World championships I accomplished this goal on my second attempt with a unequipped 405 lb benchpress in the 50-54 age division of the 308 lb weight class. I experienced some shoulder pain while warming up.

Two months later on January 15, 2005 just three days after my 55th birthday, Pat and I traveled to Gettysburg PA where I set an APA World benchpress record with an equipped (bench shirt) lift of 507 lbs in the 55-59 age division of the 308 lb weight class. I noticed that my right arm trailed my left at the lockout.

Three months later at the 2005 IPF Masters Benchpress Worlds in the Chech Republic I opened at 210 kilos (462.9 lbs) and thought that someone had lit my right shoulder on fire. Because of the rule that states you cannot lower the weight from your opener in the following lifts, I knew I was cooked. I had to go out on the platform and try two more times to make a lift that was to heavy. After the meet my right shoulder was screaming at me.

Two weeks later in Nashville Tennesse I lifted in the APA World Powerlifting Championships. I set world records in everything but the bench press. I managed a 425 bench. My right shoulder just could not handle any more weight.

It was time to see a doctor. It just so happens that my bench press partner at the time was a doctor. He snuck me into the MRI at the hospital where he works. I took the pictures to Dr. Snyder at the Blue Ridge Orthopedic Clinic in Warrenton VA. This is where I first heard the word "Impingement"

"Rotator cuff impingement syndrome and associated rotator cuff tears are commonly encountered shoulder problems. Symptoms include pain, weakness and loss of motion. Causes of impingement include acromioclavicular joint arthritis, calcified coracoacromial ligament, structural abnormalities of the acromion and weakness of the rotator cuff muscles. Conservative treatment (rest, ice packs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy) is usually sufficient. Some patients benefit from steroid injection, and a few require surgery."

for the full article go here: http://www.aafp.org/afp/980215ap/fongemie.html

I applied for and recieved a TUE (theraputic use exemption) to get the steroid injection. I went to St Louis for the 2005 USAPL Bench Press Nationals and set both the National meet and American records with a 212.5 kilo (468.4 lbs) lift in the 55-59 age division of the 275+ weight class. The national meet record still stands today. My shoulder was back in good shape.

Earlier this year I bumped up my unequipped benchpress workouts to train for the 1st USAPL Raw Nationals. Because it was the first raw national meet all three of my lifts squat, bench, deadlift and my total were new national meet records for 55-59 age division and 275 lb weight class. One month later I lifted in Charlotte. (see my last post)

Here's the thing! My right shoulder is impinging again.