Advice sought: Want to start lifting, but can't straighten one arm....

jtcedinburgh
jtcedinburgh Posts: 117 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi folks, I asked something along these lines a couple of weeks ago but I think it got swept away in the tide of other posts. However, it's something I'm keen to get an opinion upon.

Due to an accident nearly 4 years ago, I cannot straighten my left arm. Reconstructive surgery left me with a limited range in the elbow, and I am perhaps 30 degrees from 'normal'. I'm now considering re-joining a gym for the first time since my accident.

My question, or rather the advice I'm seeking, is how to approach lifting exercises safely?

The arm in question cannot physically straighten - bone growth or whatever prevents this - so the muscle itself will not have full range. The bones themselves will be fully healed by now, and I don't suffer any significant discomfort when doing anything with the arm (other than perhaps occasional tingling and muscle fatigue). I have tried and struggled with press-ups, as I get the sense that the arm needs to 'lock out' for the muscle to do its thing, and my impaired motion is a problem.

Any advice much welcomed. Ta.

Replies

  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    edited May 2016
    Did the doctor tell you there is a restriction?

    Can you see a physical or occupational therapist and talk to them about what exercises you can do safely and/or what modifications if any you should make?

    Any therapist should be able to help you, but if you can find one that has undergrad degree in exercise science and/or is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist so much the better. Looks like you're close to the University of S. Carolina. Contact someone in their athletic training/strength and conditioning area and see if there is a therapist around there they work with.

    Best of luck.
  • jtcedinburgh
    jtcedinburgh Posts: 117 Member
    Packerjohn wrote: »
    Did the doctor tell you there is a restriction? Can you see a physical or occupational therapist and talk to them about what exercises you can do safely and/or what modifications if any you should make?
    Yes, the surgeon told me that it's quite normal after such an accident to have permanent restriction of motion in the arm. In fact, what I have ended up with is quite good, considering how bad it was (broken in 7 places immediately above the elbow, requiring a lot of internal pinning, reconstruction and the like - 5 hour surgery!)

    The problem is that before I was permanently discharged, they didn't cover what I can and can't do. I have been indoor climbing with the arm, and it can take my full weight. No easy way to get this advice now....

    My question is more along the lines of whether there are any muscular considerations to take into account with certain exercises, given that I can't straighten the arm. It could be that some machines/exercises won't be possible, I really don't know....
    Packerjohn wrote: »
    Looks like you're close to the University of S. Carolina. Contact someone in their athletic training/strength and conditioning area and see if there is a therapist around there they work with.
    Afraid not - I'm in the UK. Not sure why the location is screwy....
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    edited May 2016
    jtcedinburgh wrote: »
    Packerjohn wrote: »
    Did the doctor tell you there is a restriction? Can you see a physical or occupational therapist and talk to them about what exercises you can do safely and/or what modifications if any you should make?
    Yes, the surgeon told me that it's quite normal after such an accident to have permanent restriction of motion in the arm. In fact, what I have ended up with is quite good, considering how bad it was (broken in 7 places immediately above the elbow, requiring a lot of internal pinning, reconstruction and the like - 5 hour surgery!)

    The problem is that before I was permanently discharged, they didn't cover what I can and can't do. I have been indoor climbing with the arm, and it can take my full weight. No easy way to get this advice now....

    My question is more along the lines of whether there are any muscular considerations to take into account with certain exercises, given that I can't straighten the arm. It could be that some machines/exercises won't be possible, I really don't know....
    Packerjohn wrote: »
    Looks like you're close to the University of S. Carolina. Contact someone in their athletic training/strength and conditioning area and see if there is a therapist around there they work with.
    Afraid not - I'm in the UK. Not sure why the location is screwy....

    Not looking to go to university of South Carolina lol.

    Same idea would apply. I would check with the athletic training staffs of a major university, area pro sports team etc and find who they use for a physical therapist. You want someone who is familiar with exercise movements. Schedule a consult appointment so the therapist can look at your restrictions and advise you on what to do and not to do. I would think it would be a one time only appointment.

    Just working out on your own with the restrictions may cause issues down the road in other body parts as you compensate your movement due to the injury.

    Even if you have to pay out of pocket think it would be worth it in the long run.

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