The Hidden Cost of Lingering Shoulder Pain in Training (And How to Fix It for Good)

Do You Keep Training Through Shoulder Pain, Hoping It’ll Just Go Away?

If you're like many CrossFit athletes and active adults we treat in Portland, Maine, you've probably had a nagging shoulder issue that never quite resolves. It doesn't hurt bad enough to stop training—but it's always there in the background:

• Sharp pain at the top of an overhead press

• A pinch during kipping pull-ups

• A constant ache after lifting days

You stretch, rest, ice, and maybe even tried a few physical therapy sessions... but the problem keeps coming back.

At Infinite Capacity Physical Therapy, we see this scenario all the time. You’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not stuck. Shoulder pain that lingers isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a sign something deeper isn’t being addressed.

Why Shoulder Pain Is So Common in Functional Fitness and Active Adults

The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the human body. That freedom of movement is a gift for athletes—but it’s also a liability if the system isn’t working well.

Most chronic shoulder pain in lifters and active adults stems from a combination of:

• Relatively weaker mid-back and rotator cuff muscles compared to big muscles like lats and pecs

• Limited shoulder and/or thoracic spine mobility

• Technique issues that develop under fatigue or load

You don’t need a rotator cuff tear or labrum injury to have shoulder pain. Most cases we treat are movement-related, and extremely fixable—with the right approach.

Why the “Rest and Ice” Approach Doesn’t Work for Athletes

Let’s be blunt: standard PT approaches often fall short for functional fitness athletes.

Here’s what usually happens:

• You go to a traditional in-network PT clinic.

• You do things like heat and ice that feel good, but don’t fix the actual issue.

• You get 15 minutes with a therapist, then are handed off to an aide.

• You're told to “stop doing CrossFit” and then instructed to do the same light resistance band exercises that 86 year old Dolores is doing next to you.

The problem? That’s not rehab for athletes. That’s rehab for insurance checklists.

At Infinite Capacity PT, we believe in a performance-first model. We understand that:

• You don’t want to stop training.

• You want to fix the issue at its root.

• You want a plan that helps you come back stronger—not just pain-free.

What Makes Our Approach to Shoulder Pain Different

We offer cash-based physical therapy in South Portland, Maine that’s built specifically for the demands of functional fitness athletes and active adults.

Here’s what makes us different:

• One-on-one, 60-minute sessions with a Doctor of Physical Therapy who understands barbell mechanics, gymnastics, and training.

• Thorough movement assessments that identify why the pain is happening—not just where it hurts.

• Rehab that looks like training—using load, movement, and progression.

• Modifications that keep you training, not sitting on the sidelines.

And most importantly? We listen. We work with you to create a plan that works for your goals, your schedule, and your sport.

Case Study: Sam, 40, CrossFit Athlete in the Greater Portland area

“I can’t recommend Infinity Capacity PT highly enough! I came to them with a nagging shoulder injury that had been holding me back for a while. As a CrossFit Gymnastics instructor and someone who trains regularly, staying strong and functional is non-negotiable for me. Dan not only helped me rehab my shoulder safely and effectively, but he also gave me the tools to continue training and getting stronger throughout the process.

The approach is thoughtful, personalized, and rooted in real understanding of athletic performance. Thanks to his expertise and guidance, I’ve been able to keep doing what I love—both in the gym and in my profession.”

Matt’s story is incredibly common. What made the difference?
✅ Identifying that his scapular muscles weren’t pulling their weight
✅ Building control and strength with targeted drills
✅ Making small but crucial adjustments to his lifting technique
✅ Progressing back to heavy lifts safely—with real coaching

Ready to Fix the Root Cause of Your Shoulder Pain?

If you’re in the Portland, Maine area and you're tired of working around shoulder pain—or being told to “just rest”—we can help.

Infinite Capacity Physical Therapy is for athletes who want:

• Long-term solutions

• Expert guidance

• Performance-level care that goes beyond generic PT