I feel as I go heavier and heavier with the TGU (only at 24kg right now), my left elbow seems to complain more and more. My right elbow is mostly fine. I try to focus on keeping my shoulder packed/lats engaged (until they need to disengage ever so slightly to raise the bell overhead), and I suspect generally my form is pretty good. I did dislocate my left elbow in a climbing accident a few years ago, and wonder if it will just be chronically grumpy forever.
I thought for a while it was because I was curling the weight into position, then floor pressing it to start, and reversing to lower. I eliminated the curl and the problem went away for some time but then came back. It hurts the worst when I am doing the eccentric floor press at the end. I guess I could experiment with just not floor pressing at all.
Any other thoughts?
Put a video out here, on your log if you have one, or you can PM it to me. If I were to guess, there’s likely some form adjustments that could alleviate the issue. From personal experience with chronic golfer’s and tennis elbow (no issues anymore), and in the absence of a video I suggest the following:
Remember to do extensor exercises to balance out the musculature of the forearm. Ironmind has a cheap set of extensor bands. Start with the lightest resistance. You can sit around and do them while you’re watching TV, between sets etc…
Remember that the unloaded arm is to assist with both the eccentric and concentric portions of the floor press. Personally, I like to press up from my center.
Make sure that your wrist is completely neutral (think like you are throwing a punch) and the handle of the kettlebell is more or less parallel to your callous line of your hand.
Keep your grip engaged, and only death grip the handle if you need a “nitrous” boost of strength in a moment.
Watch that your elbow remains locked at all times, except during the floor press portion.
During the eccentric phase of the floor press, lower the kettlebell with both hands to your center of mass.
Look up pin and stretch techniques and self massage for golfer’s elbow. Lots of good resources out there.
Consider also using Theraband Flexbar. Another cheap investment that will help remodel connective tissues but will act as a Prehab of sorts.
Think about your nutrition and if you are eating a diet that may encourage systemic inflammation.
Think about your sleep and if it can improve.
Think about your breathing and breath work.
Evaluate any other areas of activity or training that could be aggravating the issues.
