I have never been able to fully extend my arms

Hello,

I have never been able to fully extend my arms and I am trying to figure out why. My left arm can almost fully extend (maybe missing about 5%) but my right fully extended is at about a 20 degree angle and will not go any farther. It has always been that way, and I do not remember a time when it was not. I am in my mid 20s, and have never injured either arm. I have had x-rays done of my elbows, and the doctors that looked at them said they were normal. I am fairly active and go rock climbing and weight lifting when I can, so I don't think it is from lack of exercise. The only thing i think would have possibly caused it is that as a kid i slept with my right arm bent, so that i could hold my pillow while sleeping. (My younger brother and I slept in a bunk bed when I was a kid, he would pull my pillow out from under my head in the middle of the night so I eventually started holding it) Could sleeping that way as a child have made my elbow permanently bent? If not then what is a likely cause? Is there any way of gaining back my range of motion?

Thanks

Jake Anderson

Hi ,
Some questions needs answers:-
1- If doctors said X-ray normal , so what
their opinion , how they explained it for you?
2- since how long you have this problem?
3- have you seen physiotherapist?

If not , I could give you one exercise to try it but I'm not sure how 'll be the results.
From supine position, extend your injured arm out of the bed , then put weight on the wrist , let's say 5 to 7 pounds and leave it for 20 to 30 min.
with full body relaxation, if you feel mild pain around your elbow no problem

Do it twice times per day.
Note: if you heat your elbow for 20 min before this exercise by e.g. hot pack that 'll be good ...

I hope for you getting better very soon

Can you please explain your problem in detail so that i could suggest the best measures to tackle your problem.

You can try physical therapy as it has proved useful in many such situations.

You should go to see a physiotherapist for diagnosis and treatment. Physical therapy will surely sought out your problem.They firstly diagnose the problem and then provide treatment for the affected area and helps to increase the strength that has been diminished for some reason. I would suggest to go to Determination Physical Therapy. They have very efficient and experienced physiotherapist in USA.