- Joined
- Aug 19, 2000
- Messages
- 643
Rick, I don't remember where I read this (maybe here) but it makes sense. The article I read explained the problem as a lopsided forearm muscle condition. If you think about it, most all of the work we do as knifemakers is gripping. I can't think of a single thing where we flex our fingers as if trying to open them all the way with pressure. So, the problem as stated in the article was a lack of strenght in the 'flexor' or extension muscles and an overabundance of strength in the 'grip' or hand closing mucsles. Makes sense, huh?
Ok, the excercise recommended makes alot of sense. Get one of those big, fat rubber bands like the blue ones on broccoli from the supermarket. You know the ones I mean. Put your fingertips together including your thumb. Place the rubber band over each finger/thumb nail and slowly open your hand to place tension on the rubber band. Then, continue opening your hand until you reach a point that it begins to give you a little pain. Stop and repeat those steps always quitting when it starts to hurt or become uncomfortable. This is supposed to increase the ratio of strength in your forearm for both opening and closing your hand. Once you reach equilibrium, the problem should go away. Theoretically.
Don't expect immediate results. I believe the article said it would take at least two weeks of regular excercise with the rubber band to notice any real difference and that the pain should subside. Also, some earlier advice was very good. Work until you start to feel the pain, then stop. Rest until the pain goes away ( usually for the rest of the day) then get back to work. I hope this helps. I've never had tennis elbow, but I suffer quite badly with shoulder pain associated with forging. It's really been difficult dealing with it. Common sense helps, but isn't a cure all. Good luck.
Ok, the excercise recommended makes alot of sense. Get one of those big, fat rubber bands like the blue ones on broccoli from the supermarket. You know the ones I mean. Put your fingertips together including your thumb. Place the rubber band over each finger/thumb nail and slowly open your hand to place tension on the rubber band. Then, continue opening your hand until you reach a point that it begins to give you a little pain. Stop and repeat those steps always quitting when it starts to hurt or become uncomfortable. This is supposed to increase the ratio of strength in your forearm for both opening and closing your hand. Once you reach equilibrium, the problem should go away. Theoretically.
Don't expect immediate results. I believe the article said it would take at least two weeks of regular excercise with the rubber band to notice any real difference and that the pain should subside. Also, some earlier advice was very good. Work until you start to feel the pain, then stop. Rest until the pain goes away ( usually for the rest of the day) then get back to work. I hope this helps. I've never had tennis elbow, but I suffer quite badly with shoulder pain associated with forging. It's really been difficult dealing with it. Common sense helps, but isn't a cure all. Good luck.
