Hi all,
I develop sharp pains in my left shoulder after about a half hour of riding. I stop and do stretches periodically during my rides, but that doesn’t prevent the pain. I’ve tried all of the suggestions I've found here, and stretch and ice afterwards. If I spend 4 or 5 hours riding over a weekend, the pain will last for several days.

I’ve been to a total of 3 chiropractors so far. The first two gave up after a couple of months. The one I saw recently is obviously digging deeper than the others did, but I end up with spectacular bruises. The last bruise in the front of my arm looked like I’d been in a bad accident and it’s just now healing after 3 weeks. I’m having a hard time going back because of the bruises.

I’d like to know if anyone’s had good luck with chiropractors for a really stubborn condition. I’m intrigued by the guy I saw recently - he’s obviously doing more than the others based on the bruises, but I have a hard time going back when the area is so sore and so bruised. Do I need to push through this phase? Will the bruises go away? Do I have to stop riding?

I’m on a custom built road bike and have had a fitting done by the bike builder and a second one by a pro. I was off the bike for a knee injury and have been riding again for about 6 months. I do core workouts, but I expect my neck isn't very strong. I'm also seeing a physical therapist who's giving me exercises to gradually build strength. I'm 58 years young. :-)

I’ve read the threads here on the shoulder blade squeeze and 'riding position discovery'.