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Q.I injured my shoulder while weight lifting. The pain is localized and felt on the lateral side of the deltoid muscle. When I extend the arm from the shoulder and supinate the forearm, the discomfort is accentuated.

I have not exercised for two weeks, nor have I taken any NSAIDs. I am anxious to resume my exercise regimen but wonder if it is safe to do so at this time.

A. It would be a good idea to have this injury evaluated by a sports-medicine physician or a physical therapist. The fact that you feel rather immobilized by it for two weeks means that it’s a significant strain. Sounds like you’ve toughed it out without the help of aspirin or other over-the-counter pain relievers.

Not a bad idea, really, since it helps you assess the extent of the injury, rather than mask the pain. But because you’d like to get back in action, and because the pain worsens when you turn your palm up, I’m wondering if you haven’t suffered a small tear in the ligament or shoulder rotator cuff.

If that’s the case, there are some specific healing instructions along with specific strengthening moves you can learn from a good physical therapist. Good luck!