#61 - Your Shoulders & Barbell Training | How not to hurt your shoulders in powerlifting

#61 - Your Shoulders & Barbell Training | How not to hurt your shoulders in powerlifting

Author: Dr. Rori Alter, PT, SSC, PRSCC September 2, 2023 Duration: 1:19:16

The shoulder is one of the most common sites of injury in powerlifting and barbell training because it is involved in every single powerlift. So in order to protect yourself from shoulder pain or injury, it's important to have good bar placement, grip width, and shoulder position to optimize force production while minimizing extraneous forces on the shoulder.

 

In this episode of the PRS Podcast we discuss not just the functional anatomy of the shoulder and the four joints it's composed of, but how it functions in each lift and how you should move to reduce your risk for injury while getting as strong as possible. 

 

This episode is broken down by lift and common myths or misconceptions about technique and the shoulder in barbell training.

 

The Shoulder In The Squat:

  1. What are some misconceptions people have about bar placement, stability, and grip width in the squat?

  2. How does the shoulder impact grip width and bar position in the squat?

 

The Shoulder In The Bench Press:

  1. How does arching your back improve bench press execution and support muscle development? 

  2. Why does excessive arching in the bench press create a problem at the shoulder?

  3. Why do we want to maintain tightness and not sink the bar into the chest when bench pressing?

  4. Why is the idea of tucking and flaring during the bench press problematic for the shoulder?

 

The Shoulder In The Deadlift:

  1. What role do the lats pla in the deadlift?

  2. How does the role of the lats in the deadlift influence our back/shoulder angle?

 

The Shoulder In The Overhead Press:

  1. Why is overhead feared by doctors and physical therapists?

  2. How do you protect from impingement in the shoulder while overhead pressing?

 

If you're a chiropractor, physical therapist, medical doctor, strength coach, or student clinician, this episode is a great review and application tutorial regarding the foot and ankle in barbell training.

 

If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.

 

Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!

 

Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!

 

Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery 

 

Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59 

 

Get in touch with the show!


Hosted by Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. Alyssa Haveson, Progressive Rehab & Strength is a conversation for those who take lifting seriously, whether for sport or for life. Both hosts are practicing physical therapists and certified strength coaches with deep roots in powerlifting, giving them a unique, dual-perspective on the body under load. This podcast digs into the nuanced intersection of rehabilitation and performance, moving beyond generic advice. You’ll hear practical discussions on programming for longevity, managing training around injuries, and navigating the technical demands of the barbell lifts. The aim is to strip away confusion and provide actionable insights that help athletes and coaches build resilient, sustainable careers-both in the gym and in their professional practices. It’s a resource for critical thinkers who want their approach to strength to be informed by both clinical expertise and hard-earned experience on the platform. Tune in for a blend of science, real-world application, and straight talk from two professionals who live in this space every day.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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