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Writing Elbow?

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I have been finding it difficult to complete some of my stories over the last two weeks. Not for the lack of wanting, but the restrictions I created for myself in damaging my muscles from “over-writing”. You may ask, “over-writing? What is that?” It is similar to tennis elbow.

After coming to a conclusion I could not write any more words because the pain was too much, I saw my physiotherapist today and she told me I left it too late and there was nothing to do except sleep and rest. She made me promise to stay away from the computer for two days. I had the same injury when I actually played tennis over 20 years ago, so I found it amusing. Well, I had to make a post so I’ll be quick and yes, I have taken some pain killers to help.

484TennisElbow

I found this article about my problem and thought, if other writers have the same symptoms, they may find it useful.

It was written by Colleen M

Over the last few weeks, I’ve felt a nagging and persistent pain in my elbow, right between those two little bones on the underside (if you hold your arm slightly bent). “Tennis elbow” was the first thing that came to mind, but I haven’t played in years.

I type, though. A lot. That got me wondering. Is tennis elbow—or “computer elbow”—another painful consequence of the writing life?

Turns out, it is. (groan) The good news is you can do things to prevent it, or in my case, speed up the healing process.

Other useful website for information on the subject.

27 thoughts on “Writing Elbow?”

  1. Yes, this definitely happens – a good idea to do some special exercises when writing a lot! We had an actress teach us some at a writing retreat I went on once. I had a whole day off from writing and all things internet on Thursday – did me the world of good.

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  3. Hi Joyce,Snap – I have writers elbow and shoulder too!Mine is about a trapped nerve in the spine at shoulder blade level ……having manipulation at spine – getting better faster. Sleep and rest – NO typing!! Shame, so much to convey to the world……must stop now…love Lilian and Mike xx Lilian Hayball – Mike Clarke

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  10. You can get sort sort of ‘clamp’ made from Velcro and plastic that you put on your forearm and it diverts the muscles differently so the bit that has been overused by writing gets a rest. I found it really good when I had tennis elbow and so have a few people I’ve recommended them to. The one I have is and Epi-med Here’s a link to a uk website so you can see what it is, but I’m sure you can find them or something similar in the states.http://www.completecareshop.co.uk/physiotherapy-aids/elbow-straps/thamert-epi-med-plus-medium

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      1. It really worked for me and I had it really badly. It was back in about 2007, but I still use it on and off and particularly when I’m gardening. They come in different sizes, so make sure you get the right size.

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