OT (Maybe) Elbow pain

Re: OT (Maybe) Elbow pain

Greg W. in NC

>Steve, that may very likely be tendonitis. Depending on what you're turning, it may or may not be that you're doing something wrong. I have it, fairly severely in my right elbow, which pretty much prohibits me from hollowing with my small gooseneck hollowing tool. However, other turning doesn't cause any problems. You might consider a 'tennis elbow' brace to see if that helps. Or a trip to the doc for a wonderful-feeling shot, right into the EXTREMELY sensitive nerve itself! (I almost got arrested for attempted murder at that point!) The first time, the shot helped for at least 6 months, the second (and last) time, it didn't help at all.

Re: OT (Maybe) Elbow pain

TDaniel

>Steve, I have had the same problem. Roughing in a bowl really hammers your elbow. Some things you can do to help are: Use longer tool handles, try a higher speed (but within your comfort zone), the elbow brace that has been suggested will help, and trim the blank as round as possible. You might also want to avoid wood with knots or voids.

TD

Re: OT (Maybe) Elbow pain

fred

>i found yoga to help both my elbow and wrists

Re: OT (Maybe) Elbow pain

John Trant (aka Boxes-n-Bowls)

>My guess is that you are holding the tool too tight (i.e., white knuckles) and too close to the business end. Relax your grip, your shoulders and overall body tension, hold the tool handle on top of your hip and near the butt of the handle. To use golfing terms, hold the handle about as firmly as you hold your putter.

After you have been attacking your next bowl for a while stop and check your body tension; try to relax. It is difficult to make soft, flowing curves if you are wound tight as a drum. Remember, it is a dance, not a wrestling match.

John

Re: OT (Maybe) Elbow pain

John Lucas

>I believe John's got it right. I used to be almost exhausted when I finished a bowl. I was tense and gripping the tools way to tight. I concentrated on learning to control the tool and not fighting it so much. Gradually turning got easier and more fun.

Re: OT (Maybe) Elbow pain

Arch

>Hi Steve, You didn't mention what kind of arthritis and if it is disabling and requires pain relief. As you know,compensating for pain and tenderness in one body part often causes pain elsewhere. Whether rt. or lt. elbow & what area of the elbow might be important. Perhaps for you, an hour session is too long without frequent breaks. In addition to the good advice already offered don't forget the importance of stance, shoes, standing surface and spindle height. Observe the body mechanics of those who turn professionally or for long periods comfortably. It's good that you heed your elbow's warning now to assure happy turning in the future. It's nothing if it's not fun. Arch

Thank you

Steve Hamilton

>

Re: OT (Maybe) Elbow pain

Bill Hale / The Wood Spinner

>As john said " relax ". I prefer turning at high speed with sharp tools and light cuts. This is almost as fast as slower and heavy cuts. It also allows you to relax and enjoy your turning experience. If you are realy having to push the tool, it is likley dull.

Good turning and be safe

Bill

Re: OT (Maybe) Elbow pain

JamieDonaldson

>I had tendonitis problems for years- shots, surgery, constriction bands, etc. You can relieve much of the pain by icing the joint area immediately after activity- use one of the cloth covered blue ice wraps found at a well stocked pharmacy.BTW, I was reported to have the first clinically diagnosed case of "camera elbow!"