How This Client Went From a SLAP Tear to Returning To Boxing And Workouts Pain Free

By Published On: June 22, 2026

This client’s shoulder pain increased any time he tried to lift more than 25 pounds, his day was “shot.” His shoulder felt cooked, and he kept getting set back. After a focused 12-week plan to build strength and stability, his pain is completely gone. He now moves with confidence, lifts heavier, and feels ready to get back to conditioning for boxing and to keep golfing—without worry.

Along the way, we made sure this story stays useful for readers searching for help with shoulder pain, shoulder pain relief, shoulder pain treatment, shoulder pain when lifting an arm, and exercises for shoulder pain.

His Challenge

He was stuck in a cycle of pain and reinjury. If he felt something during a workout, he would push through, thinking it was just normal muscle fatigue. That only made things worse. Even trying to go past 25 lbs shut him down for the day. He wanted his life back—boxing, golf, and everyday strength—without worrying about his shoulder every time he lifted his arm.

What Changed?

A lot changed after he committed to 20 minutes every day of the right shoulder rehab for what he needed. He was able to return to his workouts for chest and shoulders: chest presses, diamond push-ups, and battle ropes. At first, he couldn’t do the ropes at all. Soon, he could alternate and double-rope for 20 seconds without any pain. His conditioning now tires out before his shoulder does, which is a complete turnaround.

He also reintroduced movements he used to avoid. Wide-grip lat pulldowns climbed from 22 lbs to 75 lbs. He added pull-ups back into his program. A big milestone was pressing a bar overhead from a flat position—especially meaningful given the stress that move can put on a shoulder with a SLAP-type issue. Most importantly, he learned exactly where his pain starts and how to stop before he hurts himself. That awareness changed everything.

Results: Stronger, Pain-Free, and Confident

Within a few weeks, the transformation was remarkable. The most important result? “The pain that I was feeling in the beginning is completely gone,” he said. “I have no pain like whatsoever.”

The numbers tell a stunning story of progress. His max lifting weight had been stuck at a frustrating 25 pounds. At the end of the program, he was chest-pressing 55-pound dumbbells in each hand and feeling strong. His lat pulldowns, which started as a struggle at 22 pounds, skyrocketed to a solid 75 pounds. He is now “confidently doing five pull-ups very consistently.”

This newfound strength and stability have translated directly into his life outside the gym. “I started golfing again which is great,” he shared, “and that’s been feeling really good and like I’ve had no issues there which has been awesome.”

You deserve a pain-free life.

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What He Can Do Now

His shoulder pain relief is real—he says the pain he felt at the beginning is completely gone. He can lift, train, and move through his day without worry. He’s back to golf with no issues. He feels ready to start conditioning for boxing again. He worked avoided exercises back into his routine and now feels strong and in control.

In his own words: “The fact that I’ve built so much strength and stability around it with this program is just crazy.”

Simple Takeaway

This client didn’t need tricks—he needed a clear plan, smart exercises for shoulder pain, and the skill to know when to push and when to pause. That’s how shoulder pain treatment leads to lasting change. Today, he’s stronger, more stable, and truly pain-free, even when lifting his arm and training hard.

About the Author: Dr. Joey Seyforth

Dr. Joey Seyforth, DPT, is a physical therapist who specializes in helping people overcome shoulder pain by blending sports medicine, strength training, and movement science. Through his Targeted Comeback Process, he teaches clients how to restore mobility, build resilience, and achieve long-term shoulder health without relying on injections, surgeries, or cookie-cutter rehab.