HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Weakness In Chest Area After A Heavy Workout Session?

Posted on Wed, 13 Jan 2016

Question: Its been several months since I have been able to work out. I lifted 2 weeks ago concentrating on chest and upper body. 3 days after lifting my chest became extremely swollen and extremely sore, more than normal after a hard workout. The next day a pocket formed between my pectorals and was filled with fluid. Over the next few days the fluid, and pocket started draining down my abdomen. Its been over 2 weeks now and the fluid is just about gone but a small pocket still can be seen no my lower abdomen. I have since worked out my chest again and for some reason my chest has been extremely weak! I worked chest again this morning and I cannot get a good chest pump. My chest would swell up slightly as if I had a good pump but it was all fatty and flabby tissue. Not hard muscle at all? Also today my chest was extremely weak, like I have never worked out before. I kept dropping weight more and more and still could not achieve a good muscle pump? Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regular exercise;healthy eating;take a rest between weight training....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concerns.

When it comes to lifting weights, I always advise my patients to be careful as muscle pulling/tearing is always present especially when it comes to lifting heavy weights.

I also advise not to lift weights for the next 48 hours; take a rest to give muscles time to regenerate.

Do not worry about swelling your chest for the moment because of muscle damages from the last time. They need time to regenerate.

If you want to achieve a good muscle pump, should continue exercising regularly without overloading. It is good that you are drinking lots of fluids; eating healthy foods are also highly recommended.

Once again, if you continue regular exercise, you can achieve a good muscle pump. However, do not overload. Give enough time to your chest muscles to repair for the best results.

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (52 minutes later)

I should have focused my question better on the major concern. What is this fluid buildup and drainage that occurred? Should I be worried?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
crushed skin due to abnormal weight lifting without prewarming

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

The fluid build up were blood blisters due to crushed skin after lifting heavy weight without warming out first.

The fluid is disintegrated blood that will take some time to resolve.

When abnormal weight lifting without prewarming, instead of strengthening of the muscles, the opposite effect (weakening) will occur. Your pectoral muscles are seriously damaged from last time causing their weakness.

Stop training for a few days to help them regenerate.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar