ONLINE Q&A

Return to Online Q&A question list

Eddie W. writes "There is quite a lot of pain in my right forearm and elbow. It doesn't go away when I rest it, so there is no doubt that I am going to continue curls and triceps pushdowns and ignore it. Strangely enough it actually feels better after the first set and gets to be no real problem by the fourth set. After a day's rest it starts to be very tender again. I think I'm just going to have to live with it. What do you think about this?"

Sounds like typical tendinitis. Always warm up, keep warm, take ibuprophen when appropriate, ice if necessary. DO NOT DO PREACHER CURLS. Don't over extend or overload the biceps for awhile. Abbreviate your movements and pump - Use a bent bar and dumbbells to avoid aggravating the injury. Work around it. Sometimes deadlifts or rows or chins with full extension are the source. Be careful. Rest and TLC are good. Don't forget minerals, protein - - - - sometimes it just goes away when you're not looking.

In Les B.'s case, for the past five months, his right elbow has been sore and tender around the outside. He notes, "I have cut back on the amount of arm workout I do, trying different moves, and changing the amount of days I rest, but the soreness is still there. Should I cut back all together until I have no discomfort or try to work through it?" He ends with the plea, "help."

Hey Les...........I've always worked through my injuries unless I was bleeding - profusely. No doubt you follow the same procedure. Seems to work best for me and my peers. Abbreviate your curls and stay with dumbbells so you can comfortably accomodate the pain-determined limitations. Start very, very light and proceed slowly with focus. Go for pump. Follow a similar M.O. with the tri, warm up...nothing heavy...no overextending...work for the pump. This is productive rehab and yet provides our bodybuilding needs until we pull out.

Ice, ibuprofen, T.L.C., prayer.