Elbow / Shoulder Pain

[Meeker676]

Well, I'm officially getting old, since I've started to have some real pain in my left elbow and shoulder when doing front dumbell raises or alternating dumbell raises. Bicep curls can also aggravate the pain. It's not so much that it limits my range of motion, and right now the shoulder pain just feels like a little pinch from time to time, but it's definitely not getting any better over the last couple of weeks. Should I give the upper body workouts a break for a couple of weeks to see if things improve, or is there anything I should be doing in the meantime to strengthen these areas? I've been trying to use better form / lower weight / slower movement, but don't want to make the whole thing worse.

[ironwill2008]

Well, I'm officially getting old, since I've started to have some real pain in my left elbow and shoulder when doing front dumbell raises or alternating dumbell raises. Bicep curls can also aggravate the pain. It's not so much that it limits my range of motion, and right now the shoulder pain just feels like a little pinch from time to time, but it's definitely not getting any better over the last couple of weeks. Should I give the upper body workouts a break for a couple of weeks to see if things improve, or is there anything I should be doing in the meantime to strengthen these areas? I've been trying to use better form / lower weight / slower movement, but don't want to make the whole thing worse.

Stop doing anything that causes pain in the affected area(s) for two weeks, and see if the situation improves.

[BalhamBeast]

Sounds like bicep tendonitis.
Rest, as Ironwill says, but also try avoiding inflammatory foods such as grains (particularly wheat) and up your fish oils. Turmeric capsules may help as well as curcumin, contained in turmeric, is a good anti-inflammatory.

[Meeker676]

Thanks for the advice, and rest is definitely on the agenda. Looks like I'll be getting reacquainted with the elliptical while I'm giving the shoulders and arms a break.

[FiveofClubs]

I had elbow pain a while back as well but it has since resolved. What worked for me was to take off 1-2 weeks, then start back really light. The light weights helped me concentrate on form (which in retrospect I was getting sloppy as the weight increased and may have caused the problem). My motions are slower and smoother now and the pain hasn't returned. I was fortunate that it was an easy fix, and I hope it's easy for you!