Burning Sensation in the Shoulder Muscles After Lifting Weights

The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the body, but that also increases the risk of injury. A burning sensation in the shoulder after lifting weights may be due to muscle fatigue, but it could be a sign of an underlying injury. If you have persisting muscle pain in a shoulder, especially when combined with prolonged weakness, consult a doctor or other experienced medical professional.

  1. Fatigue

    • Fatigue is a common cause of burning pain after lifting weights. When you lift weights, your body first uses the energy stored in the compounds ATP and creatine phosphate. When those energy reserves are depleted, your muscle cells will break down sugars to produce more energy via a process known as glycolysis. One of the byproducts of glycolysis is a compound called pyruvate, which turns into lactic acid. The accumulation of lactic acid in muscle cells inhibits their ability to contract as efficiently, resulting in muscle fatigue and a burning sensation.

    Tendinitis

    • Tendons are bands of connective tissue that connect muscles. Inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff, also called rotator cuff tendinitis, can cause a sharp or burning pain in the upper arm or shoulder. Rotator cuff tendinitis is exacerbated by lifting weights or other activities that require repetitive actions, such as painting or lifting objects over the head. Dressing, grooming and sleeping on the affected shoulder can also exacerbate the pain.

    Bursitis

    • The shoulders are cushioned by fluid-filled sacks called bursa. These bursa can become irritated and inflamed, causing bursitis. Similar to tendinitis, shoulder bursitis can cause a burning pain after activities such as lifting weights, sleeping on the injured shoulder or reaching behind the back. Bursitis can also cause some shoulder weakness secondary to pain.

    Treatment

    • For most causes of burning shoulder pain, the first line of treatment is rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. This will help reduce the inflammation and can relieve the pain. If this does not relieve the pain, a doctor may use ultrasound to improve blood flow or inject anti-inflammatory medications directly into the joint. More serious injuries may require surgery. Consult a doctor regarding proper treatment for your pain or injury.