Half the time, the problem is your form. I know, I know—you’ve been doing push-ups since middle school gym. But are you flaring those elbows out like you’re doing a chicken dance? Stop that. Elbows at 90 degrees to your body is a fast track to impingement city.
Another culprit? Your shoulder blades. If they’re not moving—like, at all—you’re basically grinding bone on bone. That’s the shoulder’s version of nails on a chalkboard. Gross.
And here’s a fun fact: weak rotator cuff muscles. You know, those tiny guys that live deep in your shoulder? If they’re lazy, your bigger muscles (like your pecs and delts) take over. They don’t care about your joint health. They just want to push.
The “Too Fast, Too Furious” Trap
Are you dropping into push-ups like a falling tree? Slow down, turbo. Letting gravity do the work is like asking your shoulder to catch a falling safe. It’s not designed for that.
Speed kills—especially for shoulders. A controlled, slow rep lets your muscles and joints sync up. It’s boring, I know. But boring is better than a doctor’s appointment.
Think of it this way: your shoulder is a grumpy cat. If you move too fast, it hisses and scratches. Move slow, and it might let you pet it. Metaphorically speaking.
Pain In Shoulders When Doing Push Ups | Detroit Chinatown
