Jiu Jitsu and shoulder pain?

Question

I've hurt my shoulder in softball. I was told I have tendinitis in my shoulder and possibly my elbow. I would love to strenghten my upper body but swimming is out of the question.

I thought about some sort of martial art not only for the strengthening aspect also for the self defense aspect. Would starting jiu jitsu during the winter help or hinder my shoulder?

Answer 1

try some glucosamine. it is said to really help with joint pain and help rebuild them. cartiledge (sp?) that is.

if you cant swim, i wouldn't get into a joint locking art.  

Answer 2

I don't train in Jiu Jitsu, but I do know that when you start practicing locks and holds you might further injure yourself when someone executes them on you.

Answer 3

probably both, in different ways

Answer 4

Jiu Jitsu is a very intense martial art.  a friend of mine has described it as "going to a studio and getting beat up for 45 minutes".

Jiu Jitsu will be very rough on your upper body; there are lots of arm bars, take downs, submissions, etc. that will definitely hurt your elbow and shoulder.  If you decide to start Jiu Jitsu lessons, be sure to tell your instructors that you have problems with your shoulder and elbow, and they will help you work around it.  

Martial arts may not be the best idea for anybody who wishes to work on strengthening an injured elbow and shoulder.  My father actually developed tendinitis in his elbow while learning Tang Soo Do.

Answer 5

Probably hinder.  I don't know anything that can strengthen joint damages, other then surgery.  But I'm no doctor.

Answer 6

im in jiu jitsu and you need ur shoulders in this sport. if a person got you in a arm bar you shoulders will get worse so just recover them until they are fine