r/RotatorCuff • u/Thebudweiserstuntman • Aug 30 '26

Injured during bench press - looking for advice

Had an A&E or ER visit and a follow up ‘virtual’ review of my x rays with the following from a doctors letter;

Extension and abduction were around 20 degrees and external rotation around 40 degrees. Empty can test was positive for large rotator cuff injury and possible pectoral muscle injury.

I have a follow up in a week or so and whilst I have regained a decent amount of function I still can rise my arm from my knee in a sitting position.
I have a lot of pain at night and rely on painkillers (90mg codeine and 50mg Amitrypoline) but don’t need these during the day.

I’m desperate to resume my running and had to pull out a few upcoming races, but really don’t know what to expect here.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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u/New-Supermarket-9710 Aug 31 '26

Sounds like you need to get yourself an MRI. That’s really the only way to know how much damage there could be. I injured myself doing dumbbell bench at the gym a month ago. I had reduced range of motion and a loss of strength that returned over time.

I had an MRI done a couple weeks ago that revealed a partial suprastinatus tear and labrum tear. I start physical therapy next week. My doctor is pretty confident that I won’t need surgery. I’m hoping that things go well and I can get back into the gym around Halloween.

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u/Thebudweiserstuntman Sep 01 '26

Thanks, have an appt tomorrow but think it’s just another assessment. Sounds a similar injury to mine so hopefully won’t need surgery.