Minor shoulder pain for almost a month

[KoolAidManlet]

Hey guys, about a month ago I hurt my left shoulder while doing DB overhead press (after stupidly trying to max out for a couple reps). Not sure if I hurt it while swinging the dumbell up or when doing the lift.

I let it rest for a week and went back to the gym, was able to barbell bench fine with just slight discomfort in the shoulder, but then when I went to warm up for the overhead press I felt pain (about 5 or 6/10) doing 20 lb DBs so I decided to stop.

Since then I've let it rest for 3 weeks while staying out of the gym entirely since I felt like even putting 45lb plates onto a barbell for squatting might slightly strain the shoulder and I really wanted to let it heal. I have a full range of motion but when I lift it to the side like a lat raise, or overhead like doing an overhead press, I feel slight impingement, like 1/10 pain.

I want to get back in the gym so bad, been really bummed out the last few weeks, but I know that it's more important to keep my long-term in mind and not hurt it even worse trying to come back too early. First time I've hurt myself lifting so I have a couple questions for you guys:

1) Regarding the shoulder, which like I said has only been 1/10 pain, really minor discomfort, how long should I wait until giving it another shot with the light weights? Until the pain is totally gone?

2) Do I need to be concerned about doing other exercises? I think I'll get back to doing leg stuff but what about deads, rows, curls, even bench? I was thinking to head back to the gym today which would typically be my back day, so we're taking deadlifts, rows, pullups, lat pulldowns, etc.

Thanks!

[Iceman85]

Just don't lift through the discomfort. Hopefully you've been stretching the shoulder and RC. If not, start.

[KoolAidManlet]

Just don't lift through the discomfort. Hopefully you've been stretching the shoulder and RC. If not, start.

What kind of stretches would you recommend?

Also, as far as not lifting through the discomfort goes.. lets say I feel a slight discomfort when doing a bent over row even though I'm not really putting stress on the shoulder/RC to do the lift.. should I not do those either?

Thanks brah

[Iceman85]

Just google shoulder and rotator cuff stretches. The basics are enough. Don't stretch through discomfort either.

Any time you feel discomfort, your body is sending you a signal. Slight discomfort can easily turn into moderate discomfort. It's a snowball effect. It's not worth it.