Anyone Lifting With An Elbow Injury?

ajsdream

I need some advice from anyone who might be lifting with an elbow injury. I REALLY want to start a program, probably starting with Stronglifts.

I broke my elbow when I was 4 years old (over 30 years ago!!). Besides for having severe arthritis in the joint, I have a hard time doing anything that puts any stress on it. I helped a family member move once, and it locked up on me for 3 months. (I'm not sure how to describe it other than that, since no physician I went to had a good explanation for me.)

My question is: is there any kind of elbow brace that might help me? As I said, I really want to start lifting, but if I can't figure out how to do it without further injury, I will have to give up that dream. (I have a toddler at home, and being able to hold her is much more important!)

Any advice is welcome, thanks!

pmur

I don't have an elbow injury but have similar issues on my shoulder. As long as I don't do anything with that arm, I'm fine. But then there are days when lifting my son can be extremely painful. My specialist has started me on PT. the therapist knows how I can move my joint without injuring myself further. They have been showing me great exercises for this. I'm also told, they will slowly ease me into a weight lifting program. I'm not there yet. Try to see a specialist and see if you can get some PT.

ajsdream

I don't have an elbow injury but have similar issues on my shoulder. As long as I don't do anything with that arm, I'm fine. But then there are days when lifting my son can be extremely painful. My specialist has started me on PT. the therapist knows how I can move my joint without injuring myself further. They have been showing me great exercises for this. I'm also told, they will slowly ease me into a weight lifting program. I'm not there yet. Try to see a specialist and see if you can get some PT.

You sound just like me - "as long as I don't do anything with that arm". I should go see a PT, thanks. I have only ever went to a physician, and all I get told is "there's nothing to be done". My joint is completely wrecked. I can't even do a push up.

vorgas

Don't let fear of something that might happen become the bull**** excuse you use to keep yourself from realizing your dreams. I've ruined both my knees from skateboarding. It was so bad, if I stepped off a curb wrong, it would twist out and I couldn't walk for a week.

But I went after it. Lost some weight so there wasn't as much pressure. Started doing exercises specifically to strengthen what I could. If you have an elbow issue, address it. Do a search for "Fix my elbow pain". Lots of great results.

Great thing about strong lifts is you start with a 45 pound bar. It's not like 45 pounds is going to wreck your elbow in one session.
The lifts, when done properly, put very little stress on your elbows, actually. So take some time and learn to do the moves correctly. If 45 pounds scares you, go with a 20 pound barbell. If that scares you, start with a 10. Listen to your body. Nothing saying you have to do 5x5. You can always do 4x5 if it's hurting. Or 3x5. Or 3x3. Or go until it hurts and take a week or two off. Do some cardio during that week.

And, of course, there are plenty of elbow braces. From a simple bandage wrap all the way up to neoprene sleeves with metal side stays. They will certainly help prevent lateral torsion.

ajsdream

Don't let fear of something that might happen become the bull**** excuse you use to keep yourself from realizing your dreams. If you have an elbow issue, address it. Do a search for "Fix my elbow pain". Lots of great results.

Great thing about strong lifts is you start with a 45 pound bar. It's not like 45 pounds is going to wreck your elbow in one session.
The lifts, when done properly, put very little stress on your elbows, actually. So take some time and learn to do the moves correctly. If 45 pounds scares you, go with a 20 pound barbell. If that scares you, start with a 10. Listen to your body. Nothing saying you have to do 5x5. You can always do 4x5 if it's hurting. Or go until it hurts and take a week or two off.

And, of course, there are plenty of elbow braces. From a simple bandage wrap all the way up to neoprene sleeves with metal side stays. They will certainly help prevent lateral torsion.

Thank you for saying that properly executed lifts put little stress on the elbows - that's exactly what I needed to hear. I am trying not to let this elbow crap get in the way, which is why I thought I should ask some questions from those who have the experience.