Left Elbow...

[Sakabatou]

My left elbow doesnt bend all the way... something happened to it 2 years ago and it just doesnt seem to bend all the way anymore.. if I hold my arm out its as if it would point to a "1" on a clock, instead of 12... I know its not dislocated.. I think.. but would this effect me if I took kendo?

[mkomoto]

In the current issue (now in the mail) there is an article on Kendo Elbow, or elbow extension posterior compartment syndrome in Kendo. Your extension problem may be related to other factors, but the extensive article would surely serve to give you a good understanding of elbow mechanics and the type of treatments that are commonly used in elbow injuries. Also, there is quite a bit about striking biomechanics that will be useful for anyone attempting to improve their striking form.

mkomoto

[Danny Boy]

Mkoto, hes not talking about sustaining injury in kendo, hes talking about a pre-kendo injury and its possible effects on his kendo.


Dont worry about it, i had an accident when i was 14. I crushed my elbow joint, it was so bad that the doctors didnt want to touch it.
After much painful physiotherapy, the full spectrum of movement with my left arm is just not atainable.
However, it does not impede my kendo too much (or so i'd like to think *wink wink nudge nudge*).
Besides, theres guys out there who do kendo with no legs, a small wimpy thing like _that_ is going to stop you ?

[Sakabatou]

Probobly not. lol

[nodachi]

Talk to your doctor on your next visit. It is possible that with some basic and often not strenuous excercises, you can regain the range of motion in your arm. I've seen old people with no range of motion start doing tai chi and regain a significant portion of it back. So as you can see, simple stretching and some basic exercises may help. Talk to your doctor or schedule a visit with a physical therapist.

Also, you have to make due with what you've got, so when you do start, just do the best kendo you can with the body you've been given. It will all work out in the end.