How did this happen?

Dancers deal with pain all the time. They do unnatural things with their legs and feet. They move in ways that even yogis don't attempt. All this puts stress on their bodies. That stress sometimes comes out as pain.

I've had my share of minor aches and pains. Sore feet, sore legs, sore hips. But I've been fortunate, nothing has seriously affected either my dancing or other activities. Until now. So what's hurting? My left shoulder and arm. Any time I try to raise my arm, especially to the side and out, I get a harsh burning pain that starts in my left shoulder and radiates down my left bicep. This makes it a pain, literally, to put on a coat, or open the car door, or a dozen other normal, everyday actions.

I went to see my massage therapist this weekend, who is a whiz at identifying and correcting aches and pains. His belief is that I've spent so much time with my hands and arms extended in front of me, working at a desk or using a keyboard, that my body has become used to this position as "normal." In learning the proper ballet posture, with shoulders back and down and chest open, is causing my body to say "Hey! What is this new position you keep demanding?" The result is pain.

Yes, you read that right. By correcting years of bad posture I'm causing myself pain.

The good news is he doesn't believe I've torn anything or developed a joint problem. I have better pain-free range of motion in my shoulders than I've had in years, as long as someone else drives the motion. It's just the muscles that are unhappy. He gave me some exercises and stretches he thinks will help. Now I just need to get one of those reusable cold packs so I can ice the thing.