Unable to get full extension at elbow

[masonjarz]

Thanks for the replies. You are correct, I have had no injuries that I can remember. Also, I don't think this just happened one day 10 years ago, that is just when I first noticed it. I have contacted a local Physical Therapist to see what they say about it and will make an appointment depending on their response. Also, something that gcoe said made me think, about feeling a stretch on the inside of the elbow. I have been trying a stretch where I lay on my back, on a couch and let my arm dangle off, palm facing up, with a light weight (a soup can or something similar) in my hand. I feel the stretch on the inside of my elbow. I assumed it was the tendon, but as gcoe suggested, maybe this means it's not a muscle issue. Anyway, once I hear back from the PT and get an assessment I will post back in case anybody else is curious about the results.

[sequence]

Hi masonjarz
I agree with the abovementioned that it doesnt sound likely to be a muscle imbalance, mainly because of the "blocked" end-feel.

It would be a good idea to have blood tests done to rule out any systemic rheumatoid factors given the stiffness of other multiple joints.

Your elbow problem, however does have alot of similarities to a common problem found in throwing sports, like baseball, American football etc, where the elbow is placed under a repetative valgus stress (although this is only on one side - the trowing arm). In weightlifting, when you "throw" the weight up above your head and then support it with straight arms, there is a tremendous amount (depends on the weight) of force on especially your medial elbow ligaments - and in this case on both of your arms.
This could cause scar tissue on the medial ligament and hence prevent full range of extension. If you did the weightlifting at school age and was probably still growing, the stress would have been ever harsher on those ligaments.

If the blood results are all negative and X-Rays don't show much, I'd consider having scar tissue therapy done on both medial ligaments of the elbows - you can discuss this with your physio.

Good luck

[Men At Work]

hello there guys ive had a patient who had a contracture biceps brachii and brachialis anticus 2 months post im nailing humerus. i have used paraffin wax for the same and the contracture resolved but remains 5 degrees.PLease advise on the same about any other measures to be undertaken.thank you