"Asymmetric" workouts?

[utahjeepr]

Not quite the right wording, but not sure what to call it. Due to my SLAP tear recovery, I can't really do much with my right arm. The trouble is I'm going crazy sitting around. I'm not good at the light duty commando thing.

I'm stuck with stretching and range of motion on the right, but I have started (with the OK from doc) pushing weight with the left. Not much, just some basic arm and shoulder dumbbell work. I will usually mirror on the right without weight. Say a set of dumbbell curls left, set of empty hand curls right mimicking the motions.

I have seen some stuff that says it could help the right side as well. I'm not educated enough on the subject to know the difference between real knowledge and "bro science" on the subject. Anyone know if there is credence to this?

I'll keep doing some exercise no matter what. Just curious about this. Worst case I figure the "weak" arm gets ahead for once.

[JediGuy]

I hurt my right shoulder about two months ago. The discomfort spread through my neck, so I stopped everything for a while. There is some info out there suggesting asymmetric work provides benefits...as I recall, it had to do with muscle memory that benefits both sides as much as anything else. For my, my dominant arm has been “full stop,” so using my left may actually improve balance.

[utahjeepr]

Yeah I've seen that same kind of info. The trouble is with fitness related stuff there's as much bad info out there as good, and I'm being optimistic. I going with "can't hurt, and maybe there is a grain of truth to it." Like you I can't use my right anyway so what the hell.

Good luck with your shoulder. Have you seen a doc or gotten an MRI?

[chuckman]

I am getting physical therapy for a low back/ass issue (piriformis, 'bad' muscles around the hip). Some of the exercises the physical terrorist (yes, that's what I said....if you've had PT, you understand) has me doing isn't on the 'bad' side, but on the opposite side, he tried explaining the sciency stuff behind it, about complementing and working the smaller muscles that attach. Still, 80%+ of my work is on the bad side.

[JediGuy]

Good luck with your shoulder. Have you seen a doc or gotten an MRI?

My wife is not a doctor, but close enough. Helpful at times.
It wasn’t enough to see a doctor about, as I’ve been through that with my other shoulder. This was just a waiting game once I realized it wasn’t a momentary irritation.

[P2Vaircrewman]

I am right handed but my curl is stronger with my left arm so I will do and extra set with my right. It may be related to surgery on the right shoulder for impingement and bone spurs 18 years ago.

[Diamondback]

Pretty much for most of my first two decades the main use for my right arm was "counterweight," I was so heavily left-handed... the main reason that changed was because my cop buddies who were mentoring me on the range started making me do everything ONCE with my left hand and TWICE with my right.

I'm still lopsided like a freakin' fiddler crab, but I can actually do more with my weak hand than eat, type and use a mouse because of it.

[Shorts]

For now, do what you can, within reason and in good course with the recovery. Last thing you want is to be set back with an injury from pushing too quickly. I'm the epitome of asymmetry. Due to a SCI years ago, I don't have much use of my left arm. Much of my arm dumbbell work has my left arm going through any ROM movements to mimic lifts on my good side, much like you are describing you do right now. There is benefit to that. Such practice allows the brain to continue to send innervation messages to the muscles via the nerves. It keeps the nerve pathways stimulated. It also helps to promote full body balance. There will likely be some degree of imbalance, at least for now, but it doesn't have to be complete submission to the current condition. Between mirroring movements and ROM, you can maintain as much of your arm use as possible until it is ready to get back into strength work. For now, do not let your good arm make big gains your recovery arm cannot make up. I know that probably feels limiting. But you're playing the long game right now, so, just hang in there and nurse it along until it is ready to be released into full bore work. If not, it could mean consequences down the line. Put in the investment now, bodies don't get younger.

In the meantime, I suggest upping the demand and intensity on your legs, core, back and cardio. Shift your focus to get hard work in those areas while you allow your arms/shoulders to recover. The idea to working harder in other areas is that you'll get that workout gratification and make gains that will stave off the feeling that you are not doing much in your workouts due to the limited arm activity. Even if that is just for a few weeks, that can be a great blip in your program which you can take advantage of. Turn what seems like a negative into something positive. Don't let the opportunity go by, take advantage of the forced detour. Good luck.

[utahjeepr]

Just want to say thanks for the feedback. My recovery seems up and down. Man I hope this works out. The gimpyness and the up/down pain is pretty discouraging. I've been F'd up plenty in my life, but recovery has always been progressive and straight forward.

[chuckman]

For now, do what you can, within reason and in good course with the recovery. Last thing you want is to be set back with an injury from pushing too quickly. I'm the epitome of asymmetry. Due to a SCI years ago, I don't have much use of my left arm. Much of my arm dumbbell work has my left arm going through any ROM movements to mimic lifts on my good side, much like you are describing you do right now. There is benefit to that. Such practice allows the brain to continue to send innervation messages to the muscles via the nerves. It keeps the nerve pathways stimulated. It also helps to promote full body balance. There will likely be some degree of imbalance, at least for now, but it doesn't have to be complete submission to the current condition. Between mirroring movements and ROM, you can maintain as much of your arm use as possible until it is ready to get back into strength work. For now, do not let your good arm make big gains your recovery arm cannot make up. I know that probably feels limiting. But you're playing the long game right now, so, just hang in there and nurse it along until it is ready to be released into full bore work. If not, it could mean consequences down the line. Put in the investment now, bodies don't get younger.

In the meantime, I suggest upping the demand and intensity on your legs, core, back and cardio. Shift your focus to get hard work in those areas while you allow your arms/shoulders to recover. The idea to working harder in other areas is that you'll get that workout gratification and make gains that will stave off the feeling that you are not doing much in your workouts due to the limited arm activity. Even if that is just for a few weeks, that can be a great blip in your program which you can take advantage of. Turn what seems like a negative into something positive. Don't let the opportunity go by, take advantage of the forced detour. Good luck.

When I had my shoulder surgery, I worked the hell out of legs, and I walked...and walked...and walked. I think I was in generally better condition when I came out of the sling than before my surgery.

@utahjeeper, keep the long eye and keep at it. Don't get discouraged.