Shoulders swelling profuesly during pressing activites

[Sqoats]

Hello all.

This is my first post, I am a physio student and amateur bodybuilder from Australia.

I have a bizarre problem that bothers me immensely in the gym. Aside from this problem I am fairly healthy (some LBP issues).

During bench pressing, dumbell flies and other similar exercises I am able to perform some reps at fairly heavy weight (say 35kg), but as I continue to do work the rear part of both of my shoulders (teres minor/major area) starts to feel very 'swollen' and fatigued. The rear of my shoulder becomes too fatigued to continue long before my chest and triceps are worked heavily. I have also noticed that I accumulate a large amount of blood in the shoulder region and even down my arms so that my arms become very vascular and uncomfortable. These sensations subside when I discontinue lifting.

I am able to do most other exercises problem free, though some such as dumbell lateral raises create a similar sensation. I have been to a physio who suggested tight structures in the rear shoulder, though stretching the area doesn't seem to help. This has gone on for about 2 years now, does anyone have ideas?

Furthermore, I also have some other symptoms in my right shoulder that concern me. When performing dumbell lateral raises at approx. 90 degrees of abduction I hear and feel a 'clunk'. I feel the same sensation doing unweighted abduction, particularly if i keep my elbow bent. Also, in the region of my AC joint I feel clicking and grinding sensations during overhead press, though I have had no traumas to the region. Any further help with these issues would be appreciated too!

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[Sqoats]

'Progress' report:

Last night went to the gym and attempted dumbell bench press. Warmed up rotator cuff thoroughly and worked up from light weights but problem was still intensely there. Worked back down to very light DBs (8kg) and tried all sorts of form changes from powerlifting style 'scapulae back and down' to bodybuilder style bench but no change at all.

Did releases on the area with tennis ball and lots of stretching last night..little improvement today. Same again tonight. Tried also some 'rubbing a soccer ball against the wall' with sh. abducted 90 degrees, elbow bent both facing wall and away...this temporarily reduced the noise in my shoulders during abduction. Tonight lay prone with thoracic extension, flexed shoulders in scap plain to activate lower/middle traps...got good activation and will see if this does anything.

[HumanTouch]

Are you kyphotic? Have you got a foam roller? Massaging / opening up thoracic spine by rolling up and down over roller in crook lying, propelling with feet,hands behind head, abdo prep position. Might be worth a try.

[Sqoats]

Are you kyphotic? Have you got a foam roller? Massaging / opening up thoracic spine by rolling up and down over roller in crook lying, propelling with feet,hands behind head, abdo prep position. Might be worth a try.

Yeah have done some of this, could do more though. How do you think that might related to my shoudler?upsetting scapular rythm?