Training around shoulder pain, navigating the American healthcare system and stop bending your back?

My Left Shoulder’s Pain Rebellion

Just wrapped up a heavy strength cycle, and boy, do I have a tale to tell.

Picture this: your favorite kettlebell junkie (that's me) going all Hulk on a 40kg press. Sounds great, right?

Well, hold onto your protein shakers.

How My Shoulder Trolled Me

The good: I crushed my goal of a 40kg military press. Mission accomplished.

The bad: Now I have a sharp pain, like a tiny kettlebell gremlin stabbing my shoulder every time I press.

Bonus feature: Everything overhead became a game of "Will it hurt?" (…it usually did.)

The lesson: Turns out, too much volume + high intensity = one seriously pissed off shoulder.

Who knew? (Spoiler: me, but sometimes I have to learn my own lessons the hard way)

So, what's a kettlebell addict to do when their shoulder decides to go on strike?

The Master Plan: How We’re Gonna Fix This Mess

The game plan:

1. Give the shoulder a break and let it chill out.

2. Switch gears to something more shoulder friendly

Here's the new jam:

• Focus on jerks & front squats

• Heavy getups to 'rehab' the shoulder back to glory

Today's Workout: The "My Shoulder Hates Me" Special

Double Jerks + Front Squats

• 3 jerks + 3 front squats OTM x 3 min

• 3 min rest (or contemplate life choices, your call)

• Repeat x 4 rounds (got pretty brutal, pretty quick)

Now, I know what you're thinking:

"Dude, why jerks? Isn't that still overhead work?"

Well, you’re right. But there’s a method to the madness.

The "Why Jerks Are My New BFF" Breakdown

The likely culprit of my pain?

A bicep tendon that's angrier than a cat in a bathtub.

Jerks = heavy overhead work (still my fav) without the "OH GOD WHY" pain I get from strict pressing.

Controlled eccentrics (lowering the weight) = more time under tension. It's like a massage for your tendons, but sweatier.

Bonus: My shoulder actually feels better as I go. It's not magic; it’s #science.

Fun fact: Pissed off tendons love time under tension more than I love post-workout tacos. And that's saying something.

So, this is my jam for the next few months. Then it's back to heavy military press when my shoulder's done throwing its little hissy fit.

The Takeaway

Pain is NOT a stop sign. It's more like a detour sign on your fitness journey.

You don't have to park your gains and give up, but maybe take the scenic route for a while. Adjust the plan, keep moving forward, and for the love of all that is holy, listen to your body.

If you're struggling with pain and need help adjusting your plan, remember – fitness isn't about beating yourself down.

It's about slow, steady progress. Not self-destruction.

So if you’re tired of your body acting like a drama queen every time you workout…

===> click here to request a free 15-minute phone consultation with my team

During this call, we'll:

• Chat about your pain woes

• Craft a battle plan to get you working out pain-free

• Discuss how to make gains without pain ruining the party

It's like a first date with your future pain-free self, minus the awkward small talk.

Keep moving,

Dr. Matt

P.S. If you're battling your own aches & pains, don't suffer in silence. Book that call, adjust your plan, and keep moving forward. 

What I’m Digging This Week…

Navigating The American Healthcare System 😂😂😂

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