How to Body Build With Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a problem that occurs when the elbow is used repetitively. It most commonly afflicts athletes, especially tennis players and body builders. It is essentially an irritation of the muscles in the elbow. And it causes extreme tenderness and even slight pain. Having tennis elbow doesn't mean you have to stop body building. Instead, you simply have to tone down your exercises while continuing your treatments. Using these steps, you can build your arms, elbow and the rest of your body.

Things You'll Need

• Nonsterodial anti-inflammatories
• Wrist brace
• Weights

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Instructions

• 1

  Begin a treatment program to reduce inflammation of your elbow. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that 80 to 95 percent of people suffering from tennis elbows recover with even small amounts of treatments. Treatments include decreasing your exercises, applying ice to the elbow, taking nonsterodial anti-inflammatories and wearing an elbow brace while you lift weights. Continue this program of treatment while you lift weights in order to avoid worsening your condition.

• 2

  Carefully stretch your muscles before lifting any weights. Hold your arm in front of you with your elbow straight. Push down on your outstretched hand with your other hand, resisting with the outstretched arm. Hold this exercise for up to 30 seconds and do at least five repetitions. Also stretch after every exercise to avoid muscle tension or strain in the elbow.

• 3

  Do simple strengthening exercises after you stretch. Start lifting with 1 lb. weights to avoid injuring your elbow. Hold the weight in your hand and bend your elbow slowly. Bring the weight up as far as you comfortably can without straining the muscle. Slowly lower it back. Repeat only as often as you feel comfortable. Slowly increase the weight you lift to help build strength back in your elbow.

• 4

  Work the rest of your arms and legs using other body building exercises. Work your forearm and wrist using a forearm squeezing technique. Squeeze your fingers into your palms as hard as you can. Release and repeat up to 20 times for each arm. Work your legs using squats and thrusts. Bend your knees outward slowly, with your hands on your waist. Lower yourself as far as you can, hold for five seconds and bend back upward. Repeat up to 20 times.