Lifting weights for a sore shoulder

Every now and then my right shoulder will hurt like the dickens. It's usually completely out of the blue and for no apparent reason. It doesn't feel like a muscle or bruising, but more like bone (or ligament/cartilage or something - I don't know), and nothing seems to help.

I've tended to think it was arthritis-related and surrendered myself to, "Well, I am getting older, so I should probably not lift heavy items or do anything to strain it." That didn't work though, and actually made it feel worse. The strange thing is... the opposite of my reasoning is what helps!

Sometime last year I read about a guy who, after years of back pain, doctors, and physical therapy, finally started lifting weights. Heavy weights. On a squat rack. You know, the very thing he thought would cause such pain in the first place was actually what has helped relieve his pain! He simply needed to strengthen his back muscles.

Now, I'm no doctor, and not all that knowledgeable about weights and fitness and whatnot either. What I do know is that since I've started lifting weights 2-3 times a week, my shoulder pain goes away. When I don't lift, it comes back.

I don't lift heavy weights (30-50 lbs). I basically use our eGym system, and only do the arm press, seated row, lat pull, and shoulder press. 2-3 sets of 1-minute on each machine not only makes my shoulder pain stay away, it also makes me feel stronger.

I believe this phenomenon works in other areas too. So often - though not always - it seems our inclinations are actually the opposite of what really helps.

I've read studies on the importance of lifting weights more as we age. I'm too lazy to look up any of those references, but I know this is one thing that's been getting me through the days of shoulder pain.

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Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife^[e] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. - Matthew 19:28-30