Elbow/forearm discomfort

[-MVP-]

So admittedly I lift once a week at planet fitness. Reason being, my gym is linked with CrossFit so there’s very little machine access there. 90% of my training is strict barbell training with heavy compounds. I go to planet for a maintenance style workout where I can use machines to try to isolate prime movers just a bit.

I’ve noticed during pressing movements like seated chest press and incline chest press, my inner forearms burns badly. Especially when I go heavy. Anyone else ever had this problem?

I do feel the chest contraction much better on the machines but man… forearm pain right at the bend of the elbow tends to get me.

 

[Electrake]

I'm going to preface this with acknowledgment that I haven't had much inner arm discomfort, most pain I've dealt with has been "tennis elbow" vs what you are describing sounding like "golf elbow."

That being said, with my somewhat limited knowledge here, their are two compounding problems here that can affect these tendons, overuse and inflexibility. I have eliminated any discomfort I've had in my wrists, elbows, and shoulders with REST firstly, and secondly working on stretching and oddly enough, grip strength. Increasing wrist mobility literally fixed any shoulder discomfort I had from pressing, the elbow still flares up when I do not continue with "therapy."

Again iterating that this worked for me, probably not everyone. Those little finger bands were a god send, using them appropriately, I can feel them working all the way up my arms into my shoulder. Secondly, this wrist mobility routine I got from the grip strength subreddit: Invalid Link Removed I do that routine every day that I'm doing presses of any type.

I hope any of this can give you something new to consider or try!

edit:link didnt work

 

[botk1161]

Both sides? One more than the other?

 

[-MVP-]

Both sides? One more than the other?

It’s mostly my left side. Not much discomfort in the right at all. Admittedly, I use a thumb over grip on pulling movements if that helps…

 

[botk1161]

It’s mostly my left side. Not much discomfort in the right at all. Admittedly, I use a thumb over grip on pulling movements if that helps…

The left shoulder has also been giving you problems. It’s all related. Sounds like the left upper back / thorax has some range of motion issues. Meaning the lack of movement is making the elbow move through a ROM it’s uncomfortable with which it is reporting to you. I suspect the pec on the left side is tighter than the right?

 

[-MVP-]

The left shoulder has also been giving you problems. It’s all related. Sounds like the left upper back / thorax has some range of motion issues. Meaning the lack of movement is making the elbow move through a ROM it’s uncomfortable with which it is reporting to you. I suspect the pec on the left side is tighter than the right?

My left pec has seemingly always been stronger than the right, so you may be onto something here…

It’s for this reason I’ve started to bring in a lot more dumbell.

Maybe I should start doing more dumbell rowing / single arm pulldown variations?

 

[botk1161]

My left pec has seemingly always been stronger than the right, so you may be onto something here…

It’s for this reason I’ve started to bring in a lot more dumbell.

Maybe I should start doing more dumbell rowing / single arm pulldown variations?

Some food for thought based on what I have heard. Some or all of this may apply to you. Its hard to know your situation via a few posts.
A pec that is tighter than the other or if its stronger than the other side (I mean more dominant during the pressing movement) will lead the shoulder on that side rolling a little more forward. Which leads to the back being "more open" on that side. Which leads to stabilization issues cause you cannot get the back tight and packed down for the pressing movement cause its fighting against the tightness in the front and the poor movement pattern created by that side being dominant. More stronger on the left side may also mean a shift in the body during pressing - especially on a machine press and especially if your "going all out" trying to get 1-3 more reps sacrificing this form. Which would further exacerbate the problem and further ingrain a poor movement pattern (leading to injury). The left side (elbow etc) would be taking more of a load plus the "back being more open / the general poorly ingrained movement pattern" would lead to poor back mobility, on that side, during the press putting further strain on the elbow (and everything else).

I think focusing on bracing and pressing dumbells not to failure, but for more sets would turn this around in a couple of months. Focus on form and ingrain a new movement pattern and keep it forever. The challenge will be trying to achieve better and better and tighter bracing each set. When the same dumbells get lighter, you know your bracing is getting better. Then introduce straight bar and machines. This bracing will transfer over to all your other lifts which is a win win.