Flexor Pollicis Brevis

[bombero]

I finally looked up the name of the tendon that has been giving me trouble. It happens in both hands. It seems as if it "sticks out" & becomes sore if I tax it with too much clubbell work. I can usually adjust my grip to more of a handshake style &(mostly)work around the tenderness, but today I tried the Whack-a-Mole & the limiting factor was the soreness in this tendon on both hands(the baseball bat grip impinges on the tendon more). Does anybody else have this problem? If so, did you find a solution? Thank you for reading.

bombero

[Scott Sonnon]

It's a common condition for people who over-grip their Clubbells. Adjusting your thumb diminishes the pain because the attachment of the muscle in question runs up the thumb.

Work on the tight-loose-tight grip protocol. Read up on Clubbell Dynamic Grip Work (http://www.circularstrengthmag.com/17/sonnon7.html) (scroll down). Work on Selective Tension - using only those muscles necessary to accomplish the task, and only that amount of energy necessary to accomplish the movement with perfect form.

When you confront a situation such as this, focus on grace over power.

[Doug Szolek]

Bombero,

my version of Gray's has the photo of your problem tendon all blurred and dark so I only have a vague idea to which one you are reffering. But, (and I've got a big one) to lighten the grip load on the Whack a Moles and all two handed Clubbell work, separate your hands ala, Ty Cobb to gain some easier control over the Clubbell. I've let my zeal run my training past healthy limits in the past and had to deal with the same "tendonerness" that's limiting your training. The best thing to do is take a few days off (at least) and actively heal the problem area. I know it's often a hard thing to do, but much easier than enduring a full fledged injury.

Take it easy, and let me know how it goes.

[bombero]

Coach Szolek- separating the hands....wow! The discomfort is diminished greatly. Sometimes my legalistic tendencies keep me from making small logical adjustments, when I'm following instructions or learning new things. Thank you. BTW, it is interesting how different the shoulder is "loaded" with a small space between the hands.

Coach Sonnon- I will be implimenting "The Butter Churn". Your help is greatly appreciated. I also am a fan of the ambiance you instill on this forum. The smart-mouthed, hostile tone that is so common everywhere else is absent here. Thank you.

[Scott Sonnon]

Keep us advised of your progress.