Just before Christmas I had a silly accident and really upset my AC Joint in my shoulder, little did I know this accident would have an impact on my training for the next few months. I had an x-ray to check nothing was broken because it hurt that much, and I struggled to move it, but it was just badly bruised, which was a relief.
I had a week off training, then the next week, was just deadlifts and we had to use the SSB Bar because I couldn't get a bar on my shoulders for back squats, it was too painful, so thank goodness for the SSB.
A week later I started introducing Bench back into my training, I was only able to lift the bar, which I went with for movement patterns. The injury forced me to make sure I was in the correct position for every rep.
Regular visits to have treatment on my shoulder really helped with getting me back on track.
By Christmas I was benching 25kg (not anywhere near the weight I was lifting pre accident), but I needed to rebuild my strength in my shoulder. In January, my coach introduced high bar back squats, until I could feel comfortable with the bar positioned lower.
My shoulder is still not 100% and I know my limits, I have to be really careful with everything I do.
It has now been 4 months, I have paid for this both physically and mentally, but has taught me so much. I will work harder to get back to where I need to be, I only have 15 weeks until British Championships.
Don't let injuries make you stop, you can find a work around. I managed to use different exercises for a while to get me through, there is always a way. Never Give Up!!!
Note: always check with a health professional first before carrying out any exercise after injury, and consult a coach who can help you get back on track.