Avoiding Elbow Tendon Problems

Don’t let a sore elbow derail your grip.

May 4, 2021

You may have heard of tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and climber’s elbow. Each term describes inflammation at one of the three biceps insertion points at the elbow. Any of these conditions can turn a physically fit person into someone who can barely hold a coffee cup.

Tendon strain is normally a repetitive motion injury. Toss in an acute demand event or two that overloads a tendon, and it doesn’t take much repetitive motion to sideline that arm.

Physical therapy for such injuries involves flexing the hand in the opposite of the chronic use direction while under tension. This method also can be used for prevention. For example, if you are constantly curling your fingers forward to grasp something, then you need to rotate them back under tension. Many people believe that straightening your fingers and pulling them back toward your wrist with the other hand helps. In fact, it loads those sore tendons even more.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.