Bursitis

Post by **littleboxes15** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 3:39 am

I was wondering if any other climbers out there have this and know of a good way to deal with it. As of right now it can end my climbing days really quick. I can't even belay. It used to be that a couple of Vioxx would fix me up just fine, but that's not an option anymore. Any advice on this subject would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks

Post by **Wes** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 3:44 am

Elbows? If so then the key is to make sure your opposition muscles are stronger. Pushup, dips, and dumbbell curls are key.

Post by **littleboxes15** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 4:01 am

Not elbows, shoulders. Will working that area out do the trick?

Post by **Wes** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 4:03 am

Yep, might need some shoulder stabilization exercises. You have access to a gym? Maybe some basic wieght exercises will help.

Post by **littleboxes15** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 4:05 am

I have the Johnson Center, but I'm not really sure which muscle groups to focus on.

Post by **Wes** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 4:09 am

Maybe talk to one of the fitness people there? Pretty much, you just need some basic stuff, maybe a couple times a week to help balance out what you are doing with climbing. Nothing to crazy or hard at all. I can give you a list of a couple things to work on, if you want.

Post by **littleboxes15** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 4:10 am

That would be awsome. Thank you so much.

Post by **TradMike** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 4:14 am

Don't let it go too long. It can take six weeks to heal from a minor injury and up to a year to heal a chronic injury. Stretching the affected muscles on a regular basis helps a lot. Definitely strengthen the opposing muscles.

Post by **littleboxes15** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 4:28 am

Is 8 years too long? It started in school when I had to carry a really heavy back pack and I guess it hasn't healed sinse. My mother, who is also a physician, has the same problem and she said there's not much that can be done to "cure" it, outside of really strong drugs or surgery, and I would prefer not to have to use either if possible. If exercise is the key though, I am more than willing to commit to that. Especially if it means I get to climb more.

Post by **TradMike** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:29 am

Healing is the key and then physical therapy. One rule to keep in mind with bursitis/tendonitis - If it hurts, don't do it. You don't want it to get inflamed. While in physical therapy mode you may have to work through a little pain but it shouldn't hurt or get worse. Also do plenty of stretching to make room for all that stuff that rubs together causing inflammation.

I have fixed my elbows, back and neck with physical therapy. Just do some research on the best exercises for your condition.