multiple muscle strains piling up/mental health

[youngguy800]

    Hey I am a thin 22 year old male. I have been a runner since I can remember but started lifting weights a couple years ago. Exercise became an outlet for me in college and has really helped with my mental health/school/social life. Early January I hurt my shoulder real badly doing overhead db tricep extensions too heavy/with elbows outward. I saw an orthopedist and started physical therapy. It has seemed to help. However, not being able to workout was really affecting my mental health, so I started overdoing lower body/running everyday and ended up straining my left quad on the leg press a little over a month ago. The pain seems to be off and on but if I walk around too much it hurts afterwards and takes awhile to feel "okay" again. Well after injury number two, I started doing some light upper body again since my shoulder was getting a little better. I was doing abs hard everyday because someone said you can do abs everyday and I felt the need to work something to feel better mentally. About two weeks ago, strained my left ab/oblique doing weighted crunches -_-. So now I have three injuries and I am not working out/running or anything at all. None of the injuries had any swelling or bruising, but they still have not healed. I tried ice/heat etc.. I am still in physical therapy for my shoulder but the other injuries have kinda halted that process as well. I fee like an 80 year old everything hurts... With all this, graduation, and failed relationship attempts, my mental health is nonexistent- zero motivation/very depressed/anxious/questioning my career/professional school decision/capabilities- bad. I haven't seen a doctor about my leg or abdomen because I just went for my shoulder and it is embarrassing/expensive. Will these injuries ever heal without professional treatment/rehab? I really want/need to get back into the gym someday (but obviously go much lighter and with a better routine).

[sweetnightmare]

Sounds like me too, friend. I am an overweight female and I pull muscles all the time trying to do simple excersizes. I also have anxiety. Get you anxiety and depression levels checked. And remember, muscles can take time to hel, so one step at a time. I would go to the doc again though, i am sure they see MUCH more embarassing cases then what you are going through, so honestly its no biggy you know? Also start journaling your worries every night before you go to bed. that way it gets them out of your head and onto paper.

[silverfox67]

You might try rubbing Peppermint oil on the sore muscles.  Recommended by natural physicians.  Get well soon.

[jemma116]

Unfortunately damaging muscles and tendons and other soft tissue injuries take longer to heal than having a bone broken.

Only resting the injured part, pain relief and anti-inflammatory (if yu are ok with them) will help.  And of course, gentle exercise advised by your phsiotherapist.

Any axiety and depression exacerbates any problems.  Bit of a vicious circle really.

I messed up my posterial fibrial tendon using the treadmill.  Couldn't walk on my food for 9 months.

An antidepressant may help, but you don't want to see the doc.

Have you tried to do gentle exercise in the swimming pool?  You may find you may be OK with swimming.

Have a go at applying natural yogurt to your injured parts.  It helps to draw out any inflammation.  If the cold makes it feel worse, then apply heat packs.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.