Usually, I don't advise patients to "play through the pain." If you can eliminate the inclines and still train effectively, without pain, then you are probably not doing more damage.
One note, if you do have an arthritic AC joint, there is no need for treatment unless the pain is a problem. If surgery is ultimately the solution, the operation and recovery are the same no matter how bad the arthritis.
Thank you very much for your response. If possible, I would like to ask one more simple question which is;
If I am able to manage the pain, which I am right now as it not that severe, am I doing more harmful damage to my shoulder by continuing on through the pain or as long as I do things in moderation my condition will remain about the same? I have no problem moderating this problem, and it seems the psychological aspect of my problem is worse the the physical because when I experience the pain I feel like I am damaging my shoulder even more and won't be able to lift weights or exercise when I am older. So essentially my question is am I doing further non-reversible damage to my shoulder by ligting weights? (without the exercises that cause pain; ex incline bench press)
Thank you very much, this is a great service and I am extremely appreciative of your help!
I'm sure your doctor was describing AC joint arthritis, or osteolysis of the distal clavicle. This is very common in weight lifters, and your classic. The weight training maneuver that aggravates this most is incline bench presses. Often, my patients get relief by simply taking this excercise out of their routines. Sometimes, an over the counter NSAID befor exercise is helpful.
Finally I dont think that a cortisone shot here will be harmful, in fact, I frequentl give them for this problem. However, you must know that if it works, the effect will probably only be temporary.
The definitive treatment, if all else fails and yu cant live with it, will be arthroscopic surger and resection of the AC joint, and approximately 1.5 cm of the distal clavice