Carpel Tunnel Syndrome & Push-ups

[kirsten777]

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for alternative exercises to push-ups. My CTS is so bad, I've even had surgery in one wrist, but I just can't do push-ups anymore. I have tried every gadget out there, nothing works. I wouldn't care if I hated to do them, but I am one of those people that actually love them, oh well, ;(

Anyway, I have tried lying on my back and doing a press, but I'm not sure if it is working the same muscles as push ups.

Any ideas, anyone?

Thanks.
Kirsten

 

[Sunshine 1528]

OK - just checkin':

You said you have used every gadget out there, ie using weights to keep your arm straight all the way down (holding the DB with your knuckles pointed downward)? That is more comfortable for me.

I have also used my pull up bar, one that fits over the door jam, just turn it upside down and I can hold onto the handles to keep my wrists straight for a slightly elevated push up.

Have you tried doing it with your fingers pointing downward on both sides of a step (using the end so your hands are about a foot apart)? That can help keep your wrists semi-straight.

Those are my "workthroughs" to do push ups. Lately though I am doing them on the floor and can do up to about 15 before my wrists give out as long as my hands are out past shoulder width. Close in or down near my waist to get the tricep burn and I can't do them.

HTH

 

[beautifulsoul]

>Anyway, I have tried lying on my back and doing a press, but I'm not sure if it is working the same muscles as push ups.


Sorry I have no idea, but have you tried to do push ups on your knuckles, that is how I do them.

 

[SRP]

The bench press does work the chest muscles, and very well. Chest flyes (where you lower two dumbbells out to the sides while lying on your back) also works the chest muscles.

Maybe what you're missing is how pushups work EVERYTHING, including the chest - LOL.

I don't have CTS, but I've had some strained tendons near the base of my thumb, near the wrist. I find that using two dumbbells really helps to keep my wrists straighter, which keeps that tendon thing from hurting. I've tried actual push-up grips, and they don't work nearly as well. Weird, I know.