Shoulder osteoarthritis and the press.

[Zgbaker]

Hi Rip,
Returning novice here, 31 years old
I have tried the NLP a few times, and I’ve always had trouble with the press.
I was rather stupid when I was young and I’ve beat my left shoulder to hell. Most recently I’ve had a bicep tenodesis (moved the short head attachment to the humerus to mitigate impingement). Prior to that I had my labrum repaired. These surgeries were due to trauma associated injuries which usually involved dislocations as well.
When I had my post op for the bicep surgery the surgeon told me I had stage three out of 5 osteoarthritis and I was a prime candidate for replacement. That was 3 years ago. So far I have opted not to have that surgery, mainly because of the longevity, or lack there of, for the replacement. I have an appointment with a shoulder specialist this year just to see where I’m at and get a 2nd opinion (truly it’s a 4th opinion).
I want desperately to work the whole NLP but the shoulder just doesn’t like the press. Any time I try to power through it the results are excruciating.

My question is, should I just give up on the press and do my best with the other 4 (although front rack with the power clean results in pain),
Or is there anything else I can do to at least try to build some type of strength similar in the press?
An acceptable answer is also quit being an idiot.
Thank you.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Can you do some form of partial press in the rack? Shorter ROM, maybe from over your head?

[Zgbaker]

Can you do some form of partial press in the rack? Shorter ROM, maybe from over your head?

I’ll experiment on next training day and reply back here with update. Thank you so much for responding.

[Zgbaker]

Can you do some form of partial press in the rack? Shorter ROM, maybe from over your head?

Negative for shorter ROM. Shoulder can achieve a maximum of about 20 degree from the vertical. I admit I didn't realize it was this bad until I tried a new camera angle. When I attempt to straighten the shoulder I experience the same pain as mentioned before.

[Mark Rippetoe]

How is your bench press?

[Zgbaker]

How is your bench press?

Decent with minimal pain or issues, oddly.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Drop the press and try it again in 3 months.