Hello. I'm 38 yrs old and am training for my first Ironman (July 2004). I have been riding for 12 years and rode across the US in 1996. I started preparing for my race last July. In late September, I was finishing up a century ride and noticed the front of my left shoulder was sore and there was a dull pain. Ever since, it seemed to be getting worse and I was frusterated because it was very uncomfortable riding my bike. I even pushed my saddle forward thinking that would help. I expected that my legs would be sore not my shoulder and I did not know why!! Anyway, two weeks ago, I decided to see a doctor who diagnosed me with tendonitis of the long head of the biceps tendon. I think he mentioned supraspinatus as well. Anyway, he told me to rest so I rested for one week and felt somewhat better (although the area was still a little sore). Last week I decided to see a sports medicine doctor who diagnosed me with weak rotator cuff muscles and prescribed PT. Well, I decided to do an easy 1:30 ride yesterday and noticed the pain is still there. I am going to PT so I will definitely ask about this. Has this happened to any one? How long did it take for you to get better? What was your treatment and rehab plan?

This has happened to me too, as a collegiate water polo player as well as triathlete all the swimming and throwing were essential to the two things i loved in life, i did the same thing you did, went to the doctor, he prescibed PT, it took about 6 weeks to get it back in good condition, one thing i recommend though is once you are done with pt continue to work it out. Get some work out rubber bands or swimming cords and work it out like twice a week. i didnt and had to return to pt 6 months laters, now i use work out bands and havent had any trouble with it. hope i was of help

Had similar story. Swimming in high school I noticed there was this nagging pain in my shoulder. Went to the doctor I think said it was bursitis. He said the next step was to get cortizone injections. A girl on my swim team had to get them she said they hurt like hell. I got terrified, never went back. 11 Years later the pain was still there and annoying. I was ALWAYS aware of my shoulder - it was always there. So I went again to a doc. He said I think this time it was a tear in the muscle. He did some injections - hurt like hell. Nothing was changing - injections actually made it worse. Had rotator surgery - he removed some of the colar bone as well. I have been singing his praises ever since!!! I haven't thought of my shoulder since recovery was done. I swim long and hard and never feel any trouble from that shoulder. Best thing I ever did.
Everyone is different obviously. I hope you get it figured out and get back to normal for you soon. I can imagine it must be tough to be taken out at this stage in the season. Stick out the PT though - it works wonders!!!!!
Best wishes to a speedy recovery!!
Brandi