How should a shoulder-impingement presentation be regressed for a push exercise?

How should a shoulder-impingement presentation be regressed for a push exercise?

• A. Perform a standard push-up with full depth.
• B. Push through the pain at a reduced tempo.
• C. Increase range of motion to deepen stretch.
• D. Switch to a kneeling or incline push-up.

Answer: (D)

When shoulder impingement is present, the goal for a push exercise is to minimize the provocative positions and load that can compress the structures under the acromion. The best way to do this is to reduce the elevation and stress on the shoulder while still training pressing mechanics, which is why switching to a kneeling or incline push-up is the right move. These variations drop the body's load and limit how far the chest must descend and how much the shoulder lifts, helping keep the scapula in a more stable, less impingement-prone position. As a result, you can press with control and proper form without aggravating symptoms. In contrast, a standard push-up at full depth places the shoulder in greater elevation and compression, increasing impingement risk. Pushing through pain is not appropriate because it reinforces faulty mechanics and tissue irritation. Increasing range of motion to deepen a stretch would also worsen irritation by forcing the joint into a more provocative position. Switch to kneeling or incline push-ups to regress safely and then progressively return to higher-load variations as symptoms allow.

When shoulder impingement is present, the goal for a push exercise is to minimize the provocative positions and load that can compress the structures under the acromion. The best way to do this is to reduce the elevation and stress on the shoulder while still training pressing mechanics, which is why switching to a kneeling or incline push-up is the right move. These variations drop the body's load and limit how far the chest must descend and how much the shoulder lifts, helping keep the scapula in a more stable, less impingement-prone position. As a result, you can press with control and proper form without aggravating symptoms.

In contrast, a standard push-up at full depth places the shoulder in greater elevation and compression, increasing impingement risk. Pushing through pain is not appropriate because it reinforces faulty mechanics and tissue irritation. Increasing range of motion to deepen a stretch would also worsen irritation by forcing the joint into a more provocative position. Switch to kneeling or incline push-ups to regress safely and then progressively return to higher-load variations as symptoms allow.