Persistent Pain in Left Outer Elbow During Supination and Flexion

NickLovesCybexHack

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Hi everyone,

I'm dealing with persistent pain on the outer side of my left elbow (think right before bicep inserts) that occurs when I supinate (turn my palm up) and especially when I flex my arm, it hurts increasingly. I've taken time off from training to allow it to heal historically, but the pain hasn't improved.

I suspect it could be related to something like tendinitis or muscle strain, but I'm not sure if it’s something more severe.

Has anyone else experienced something similar? Any advice on recovery strategies, treatments, or how to manage the pain would be really helpful.

Thanks for your help!
 
Hi everyone,

I'm dealing with persistent pain on the outer side of my left elbow (think right before bicep inserts) that occurs when I supinate (turn my palm up) and especially when I flex my arm, it hurts increasingly. I've taken time off from training to allow it to heal historically, but the pain hasn't improved.

I suspect it could be related to something like tendinitis or muscle strain, but I'm not sure if it’s something more severe.

Has anyone else experienced something similar? Any advice on recovery strategies, treatments, or how to manage the pain would be really helpful.

Thanks for your help!
Acupuncture or dry needling seems to be most effective. Sounds like tendinitis which is an overuse injury- stretching & training should be limited or stopped.
To maintain results you could experiment with different Handles/ dumbbells etc and find some Rows or Presses that don’t irritate it. It may be ok with partial reps or machines that don’t require grip strength.
Light weight and high reps will still irritate it so keep volume low if you train upper body.
 
Acupuncture or dry needling seems to be most effective. Sounds like tendinitis which is an overuse injury- stretching & training should be limited or stopped.
To maintain results you could experiment with different Handles/ dumbbells etc and find some Rows or Presses that don’t irritate it. It may be ok with partial reps or machines that don’t require grip strength.
Light weight and high reps will still irritate it so keep volume low if you train upper body.
Thank you. I got the injury from the Hammerstrength Preacher Curl Machine from lowering the weight too far down and with the handles far away from me and then contracting hard upwards. This happened about 3 months ago. Still acupuncture or dry needling?
 
Hey Nick, sounds like that preacher curl mishap gave you some tennis elbow. Totally common with overuse injuries. Doc's on the ball with acupuncture/dry needling, lots of folk find relief with those. In the meantime definitely lay off anything that tweaks your elbow more. Ice it to bring down any swelling and consider a brace to ease the strain. When you're ready again, modify your exercises to avoid pain and gradually mix in some stretching and strengthening. If it still doesn't get better seeing a doctor (not our Doc :)) or a physical therapist would be best. Give our Doc's advice a shot along with some of these steps and see how you feel. Hang in there and listen to your body my friend.
 
I'm pretty sure they would. They're more likely to have experienced therapists who understand sports injuries. I'd just give them a call ahead of time to confirm they offer dry needling along with the sports massage. Combining both treatments is ideal imo.

I went to a Myotherapist last and they combined the needling and massage. So pretty sure they would (y)
 
@doc @musclemaniac thank you guys. I am thinking of going to a bodywork clinic that offers both massages and specialised remedial and sports massage therapy as opposed to a normal massage place. Do you reckon they would do a usual sports massage plus adding in dry needling as well?
Real acupuncture is better but dry needling is often offered by physiotherapists and GP’s. You might get lucky with an advanced massage therapist- I worked with a few that did both. The good ones are usually booked out so ask around- tendons can take time.
 
Be cautious on who does your acupuncture. There's alot of cowboys out there.
I had acupuncture done on my neck/glutes a month ago and the dude seemed to know what he was doing. I subsequently had the worst massage of my life a week ago by a dude who had no clue what he was doing. Any advice for finding the all in one massage acupuncture physio person without paying $400?
 
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I had acupuncture done on my neck/glutes a month ago and the dude seemed to know what he was doing. I subsequently had the worst massage of my life a week ago by a dude who had no clue what he was doing. Any advice for finding the all in one massage acupuncture physio person without paying $400?
It’s outrageous how some clinics charge.
It’s always better to find someone who specialises. To many clowns out there with online or weekend Qualifications all over their walls. Top acupuncture practitioners will possibly give you some massage if required as it’s part of their base training & diagnoses. Top physio / remedial sports massage therapists often do needling if required. Return treatments are often around $100. Some Chinese massage centres employ Acupuncture Drs who have worked in Chinese hospitals and haven’t yet received their Australian Provider certification- usually best qualified and cheapest.
Which town are you near ?
 
It’s outrageous how some clinics charge.
It’s always better to find someone who specialises. To many clowns out there with online or weekend Qualifications all over their walls. Top acupuncture practitioners will possibly give you some massage if required as it’s part of their base training & diagnoses. Top physio / remedial sports massage therapists often do needling if required. Return treatments are often around $100. Some Chinese massage centres employ Acupuncture Drs who have worked in Chinese hospitals and haven’t yet received their Australian Provider certification- usually best qualified and cheapest.
Which town are you near ?
I'm in Melbourne
 
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I'm in Melbourne
I can’t think of anyone there but Melbourne has heaps of great Accupuncturists and therapists. They take themselves pretty seriously and know how to charge. Lots of highly regarded colleges and teachers ( University level therapists). Sometimes called Myotherapist as they try to indicate something fancier than Remedial therapist ( which is the Australian Standard For advanced massage) Average therapist will charge similar rates so keep searching for an outstanding one. Ask your acupuncturist.
 
Stuart has been around longer than most- not sure why he’s still working but I’m sure he’s got heaps of students and staff that could help you
 
Stuart has been around longer than most- not sure why he’s still working but I’m sure he’s got heaps of students and staff that could help you
Thank you. Geelong is a hike though 😂. I'll look into myotherapists.
 
Thank you. I got the injury from the Hammerstrength Preacher Curl Machine from lowering the weight too far down and with the handles far away from me and then contracting hard upwards. This happened about 3 months ago. Still acupuncture or dry needling?
From what you describe it sounds like a partial tear/tendinitis of your biceps insertion - tennis elbow is on the outside of the elbow right at the lateral epicondyle (the bony point at the outside of your elbow)
I suggest a good soft tissue physio or other musculoskeletal specialist.
 
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