Shoulder pain

by Teodora
(Bosnia and Herzegovina.)

My right shoulder, and only right shoulder, started hurting a lot during today's training session. It has happened before but never as intense as now.

I've noticed that it mostly hurts when I do Do, and a little less with Yoko-men. I've noticed that it lessens when I lower my elbow.

My Sensei advised trying out swinging a bit differently and experimenting on my own to try to find what might be causing it, but I'm worried that might worsen the pain, and maybe even lead to injury so I'm hesitant to do it. That's why I'm writing here before trying anything on my own.

So, is it really due to me lifting my elbow too much or could there be another reason?

Kendo-Guide.Com:
Hi Teodora,

Thank you for reaching out. Please stop the movements that hurt your shoulder, rest from those movements, and see a doctor. Don’t keep repeating painful swings or experiment on your own while your shoulder is hurting.

I’m not a medical professional, so I cannot give you medical advice or tell you how to treat your shoulder. But I have had multiple injuries, and my suggestion from those experiences is to get this checked and treated now if you want to enjoy kendo for life.

My right shoulder feels unstable when my right armpit is wide open. I injured that shoulder and had surgery, so I’m familiar with that feeling. So I can understand why bringing your elbow closer to your body might feel more comfortable. But that is based on my experience, and it does not tell us what is happening in your shoulder.

Could overusing your right shoulder be contributing to the problem? Is there weakness or something else going on? We do not know. The pain has happened before and is now much stronger, so please talk to a medical specialist. Explain that do and yoko-men hurt and that lowering your elbow reduces the pain.

Let your sensei know that the pain has become stronger too. Once you have medical guidance about returning to practice, you and your sensei can review your movements against the basics. Less pain with a lower elbow does not necessarily mean the movement is correct or safe.

If the pain is sudden or very severe, seek urgent medical care. Also seek urgent help if you cannot move your arm, have major swelling or a change in shape, persistent tingling or numbness, or feel feverish or unwell.

Take your time. Get the shoulder checked first.