Right shoulder pain while benching

[Mahendra]

Hi Coach,

Last week while trying to bench, my right shoulder (specifically, I *think* it's the Glenohumeral joint), started to hurt while warming up with the 45lbs bar. In the past, I've felt a bit of discomfort there with a wider grip, so I narrowed it to where my hands are about 3 inches or less from my chest when the bar is lowered, and that took away the discomfort at the time... but alas, it is back.

I am able to press, push press, do dips, and even pushups, without any pain or discomfort whatsoever. I tried benching again on Monday thinking that I just needed to give it some time, and I had the same issue, so I pressed instead.

Any thoughts on what this might be?

Thanks for your time.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Age/injury history/bodyweight/strength?

[Mahendra]

Sorry.. should have included that.

28/ 5'5 / 151 lbs.
No significant injuries in the past.

5RM as follows:
Squat - 225lbs
Press - 127.5lbs
Bench - 195lbs
Deadlift - 320lbs
Power Clean - 125x5x3 (I know this is pitiful)

[Mark Rippetoe]

The first thing that comes to mind is a cuff tear, but your history would not indicate an obvious cause for this. Histories are sometimes (oftentimes) incomplete. I'd just train through it and see what happens. Keep the closer grip on the bench, make sure you do your presses and chins.