Chronic arm injuries

[TomFellows]

I'm 37 now and have similar problems with my forearms and elboes a lot. Physio seems to help keep the tendonitis at bay though! Good nutrition and drinking lots of water help.

 

I think unfortunetly it goes with the territory of getting older and still trying to do the same workload as when you were 27!

 

I now just don't try and push myself as before and do regular yoga.

 

I'm not saying it's just age but prob combo of age and genetics... I'm sure there's people out there 60+ who are still going strong.

 

Rob

 

I completely agree, as hard as it is to accept, you can't keep going at the same level as you did in your 20s! It's reality.

 

Something else I forgot to mention is that I was gardening for about 3 years before I got into arboriculture. I think one of the main causes of my injuries is hedge cutting, particularly trimming tops at arms length! I've been doing that for 16 years now, like many of you I'm sure.

[TomFellows]

All sounds very familiar to me, I think you need to rest up those joints for a while, start delegating more. I think you need to run your business from the ground or the offfice for a while. Try low impact exercise and relaxation.

My example; just a slight shoulder strain took about ten years till it settled. Joint problems take forever. Sorry for such a negative post it's just my experience.

Good luck with it by the way.

 

No need to apologise, and I don't think you're being negative. You're being realistic.

 

I am already trying to make the transition from climber/owner to manager/owner. It's proving very difficult, the practical side of the job is what enticed me into the industry in the first place. I'm slowly coming around to the idea.

 

Thanks for your input.

[TomFellows]

Sounds more like a rotor cuff rather than tendonitous but I'm no doctor. My left rotor cuff is well knackered. It's OK while I'm working but as soon as I rest up it starts to ache. Nothing really sharp but just this dull nagging ache. The kwak has tried a few things but it seems the only way to really deal with it is surgery which means 3 months off work. I can't afford that so I do pilates mixed with a bit of physio to keep the body a bit more supple. Anti inflammatories if the pain gets too much and I try to make sure I don't hang off my left arm too much. The worst is if I'm hanging from my left hand and slip and wrench the shoulder or if I'm using the long reach hedge trimmer above my head all day long. Weights seemed to make things worse, especially chest, shoulder and back work so I gave that away.

 

That's all the same for me too mate.

 

It's funny I used to love, and take great pride in, hedge cutting but the idea of waggling a power tool around for a few hours (often at arms length) really scares me!

[TomFellows]

I've never used a forum before so I'm not sure what the protocol is regarding responses? Should I respond to all posts?

 

Anyway, thank you all for your input. It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one out there and your ideas are very helpful.

 

If you're just starting out as a tree surgeon I strongly advise you to take long breaks from the job, from time to time, and just to be good to your body. It wasn't designed for the abuse we subject it to.

 

Tom

[BenR]

If all else fails try bowen technique. Everyone I know who have tried it are very positive about the effect of just a few sessions. Good luck

[TomFellows]

If all else fails try bowen technique. Everyone I know who have tried it are very positive about the effect of just a few sessions. Good luck

 

I've never heard of that Ben, I'll look into it!

 

Cheers

[BenR]

I've never heard of that Ben, I'll look into it!

 

Cheers

 

Sorted my old man out and he has had back and should problems since his mid thirties.. worth a go if its really bad and nothing else has worked..

[oldwoodcutter]

Ive been taking high strength glucosamine sulphate and omega 3 fish oils 1000mg since before christmas to help my elbows wrists and knees,feel a good deal better now but that may also be due to resting my joints during the past quiet month.Hope this helps you in the future - tim