Help! Tennis elbow! Can I ever use weights again?

7elizamae

I have been so happy doing my Jillian Michaels workouts for the last ten months. Gained all kinds of new strength, lost a little weight, enjoyed pushing myself. I just increased the amount of weight I was using during my 3rd round of her 90-Day Body Revolution.

Well, so much for that. I now have pain in both of my elbows! The left is worse than the right. Hurts quite a bit when I carry groceries or a heavy purse in that hand. Right side is noticeable but I wouldn't call is painful. Have been reading up and am quite sure it's 'tennis elbow.' Everything I read says to rest. I've already been resting for two weeks and it feels about the same.

Can I start back but use little, bitty hand-weights? I believe I injured myself when I switched from 5-pound weights to 8-pound. I had been fine before that.

So, would returning to just 3-pounders be okay? Or am I stuck with boring blah cardio stuff?Thoughts? Suggestions?

mitch16

I'd suggest seeing a doctor/seeking physical therapy before starting lifting again on your own.

callsitlikeiseeit

I would see a doc.

Im lucky, my brother is a certified athletic trainer and my 'on call' injury professional.

Mattyf2626

Take a little bit of time off from using weights, about three weeks. Ice both elbows for 20 minutes a night. Continue working out without weight until pain is gone. I had the same problem.

GiddyupTim

I have had it a few times. It hasn't been a permanent hindrance. You have to take it easy for a while, as Mattyf said. But you will be back at it. The key is to give it rest.

Packerjohn

I had it once about 30 years ago. After a bit if rest and conservative care have lifted ever since. If a medical professional says its okay sometimes a tennis elbow brace can help, but make sure its use is doctor approved.

7elizamae

I'm just so disappointed to have to stop my new regimen.

kozinskey

Definitely go to a doctor. I have tennis elbow + nerve impingement in one arm and the things that help me most are rest and rolling it out with a lacrosse ball when it's sore. It's an annoying injury because it can take a long time to heal. Good luck!