Strained Elbow-Can I still get good results?

[dreamyjeanie]

So a few months ago, I seemed to have strained my elbow. I have taken it easy and thought it was getting better so I tried out some of the new workouts and it is aggravating me again. I want to get the most out of the new workouts, but also don't want to injury it more. Any suggestions on how to still improve fitness level, but not overwork the elbow would be appreciated. I'm thinking about doing something like a leg/cardio rotation and adding in just a little light/no weight upper body exercises. For upper body it is hard to find exercises that aren't affected by your elbow. Of course if continues, I will go get it checked out by a doctor, but for now it is just more of an irritation than something painful.

Jean

 

[Jane Royse]

I was diagnosed with tennis elbow several months ago. I have been unable to lift weights since, because I wasn't able to even hold dumbbells to do squats. What I have been doing is lots of cardio & lots of ab work. I already had Physique 57 workouts (barre work), so I did those for my leg work. Now that I have the new series, I have been able to do those with very light weight (I'm talking 3 pounds). I haven't tried Upper Body Trisets yet, as the elbow is still inflamed (falling on it last night hasn't helped...), but I've been able to do all the rest of the LIS workouts. It is frustrating as all get out, as I feel I'm losing all the benefits of the STS rotation I did the first of the year...
Have you been icing your elbow after you work out? I was in physical therapy for over a month, but the therapist informed me that since I'm older (I'll be 57 in December), the tendons tend to thicken as we age, so she's not optimistic about improvement. She wants me to avoid lifting for 2 more months, which means I will have been off weight lifting for 8 months!
There are several threads here about tennis elbow, if you want to search for them. Even Cathe had it awhile ago. Good luck!

 

[Fitnessfreakk366]

I'm having the same problems with my right elbow. I've recently taken 6 weeks off and was hoping it would be ok, but it isn't. I'm doing STS and where I was doing 55#-60# barbell curls, I can only do about 40# comfortably. Worries me. I don't want to stop lifting weights, but I guess I'll have to make adjustments so I don't injure myself anymore. Truly sucks to get old....

 

[Jane Royse]

I'm having the same problems with my right elbow. I've recently taken 6 weeks off and was hoping it would be ok, but it isn't. I'm doing STS and where I was doing 55#-60# barbell curls, I can only do about 40# comfortably. Worries me. I don't want to stop lifting weights, but I guess I'll have to make adjustments so I don't injure myself anymore. Truly sucks to get old....

My injury happened during a STS rotation & I soldiered through it, but now wish I had just stopped. Maybe I wouldn't be where I am now. My physical therapist actually had me stop ALL activity with my right hand. I had to brush my teeth with my left hand, stop blow drying my hair, & I was to pick up everything with my left hand.

 

[mrsprincess07]

I'm 29 and I've got elbow issues on both sides. I got mine around the time I was heavy into a Gym Styles/MM rotation a couple of yrs ago. Since then, it flares with no warning. Some days I can handle the weights, others I can't. I ordered a brace yesterday and I'm going to see how that works out for me. But after seeing another Physical Therapist this morning about shoulder issues, I'm thinking heavy training is majorly on hold...perhaps indefinitely. As much as I love and adore Cathe's strength workouts, I just don't think I can use them anymore. At the least, not often. I was doing the New Rules of Lifting (I have all 3 and the 4th on pre-order) and actually had no elbow issues whatsoever. I might just have to stick with that, but during the winter, it's hard to find the motivation to workout in the gym. I'd rather stay in my toasty house, with my toasty PJs, and not have to fight the wind and other elements.

But now having joint issues in every major joint from the jaw to the knees and poor instability in the ankles, I'm leaning towards a more functional and control form of strength training anyhow. I need this body to work and move with freedom for yrs to come. I am tired of seeing a physical therapist 4-8 months a year, every year (since 2008). Something has to change or the trend will worsen and my body is going to feel the consequences. I feel weak not being able to do what I could just a few short yrs ago. But I think that's more of an ego issue than anything.

 

[fitness buff]

I am 47 and have had elbow issues since February. My docs kept telling me its tennis elbow. I had to dramatically reduce my weights and also feel bummed that I am loosing all the progress I made with STS. I bought a weighted vest which helps so I can still do leg w/o and hold lighter weights. But even this became a struggle. I laid off weights for 8-9 weeks but it kept getting worse. Finally I insisted on an MRI and discovered that I have a tear. I wouldn't suggest pushing through the pain like I did for the first handful of months. Now recovery will be longer

 

[Jane Royse]

I am 47 and have had elbow issues since February. My docs kept telling me its tennis elbow. I had to dramatically reduce my weights and also feel bummed that I am loosing all the progress I made with STS. I bought a weighted vest which helps so I can still do leg w/o and hold lighter weights. But even this became a struggle. I laid off weights for 8-9 weeks but it kept getting worse. Finally I insisted on an MRI and discovered that I have a tear. I wouldn't suggest pushing through the pain like I did for the first handful of months. Now recovery will be longer

Fitness Buff, I feel for you! I haven't had an MRI done, but I'm thinking of looking into a cortisone shot series to see if that helps.

 

[dreamyjeanie]

Thanks for all the responses. Wishing everyone healing vibes. I'm going to watch mine and if it gets worse have it checked out by a professional.

Jean