Need physical therapy recommendations for Tucson/Phoenix--elbow tendonosis

As the title says, I have a tendonosis (medial) in my left elbow. I have had this for a year, climbed through it at first, then rested it, then started using the "dodgy elbows" program, started climbing again, reaggravated it, and am currently not climbing and still rehabbing using "dodgy elbows."

It doesn't seem to be getting better, so I have decided I need to stop doing this on my own and that I should see a physical therapist, but there's no point if it's not someone who really knows what they're doing with this specific injury. I live halfway between Phoenix and Tucson and so am looking for recommendations in either area. Thanks in advance!

charles, have you tried wearing a brace on your forearm just below the injured tendon ? Works like magic for me.

As far as PTs go, John Davison seems to be a good one.

Try different things. A PT, even a good one, won't be able to do much for you that you can't do yourself. Does it keep you from climbing because of pin or because you're worried about it? If its the latter, you don't have to top climbing. You just need to find the right exercise program and stick to it.

Hi Charles,

Joel was a local Tucson climber, some time ago.

He moved to Flag.

I do not think he is climbing much anymore, but it might be worth your time to visit him for a consult.

At least he will understand your situation.

northazortho.com/physicians…

Good Luck,

Scott Mc

You might try the green Thera-band flexibar (google for vendors ca. $18). Some people have had good results with this program.

see:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH0g4UWTJYo&feature=related

good luck!

Ryan Williams wrote:Try different things. A PT, even a good one, won't be able to do much for you that you can't do yourself. Does it keep you from climbing because of pin or because you're worried about it? If its the latter, you don't have to top climbing. You just need to find the right exercise program and stick to it.

Jeff G. wrote: Very, Very Wrong.

Whoa, I stopped checking the thread after a couple of days and completely missed all the replies. Thanks for everyone's input, including all who PM'd me.

I am currently seeing a PT in Tucson but not really sure if he knows what he is doing. I may check out John Davison, thanks Jbak.

Jbak, I did try wearing a brace for a while but it did not work like magic, unfortunately.

Ryan--I haven't had good luck with do-it-yourself, I know other people say they have. I've had this for over a year without improvement. It's a weird injury in that it's not painful at all in normal life, but if I attempt to climb anywhere approaching my limit it becomes quite painful and extremely sore the next day and gets worse overall. I learned this the hard way.

Thanks again for everyone's suggestions. Jeff, see you tomorrow.

Blankenship PT in Gilbert. Ask for Josh or Mike. They've helped me with my stupid back problems several times. They're not climbers, but they're friendly and knowledgeable.

Start a push-up/cross training regiment and pursuit that for several weeks. I had tendonitis terribly within my first 2 years when a friend suggested 30 push ups in the morning and evening and I was cured in a matter of weeks