Broken Wrist

[Drewau2005]

Hi

Thanks for the forum.

I am a marathon runner and whilst training 6 months ago I fell on a sidewalk and smashed my left wrist. Since then I have had two operations on the wrist; the first was unsuccessful (the bone moved out after the op) and the second was partially successful but the wrist is partially fused.

My question concerns push ups. Before this happened I used to do push ups but now can't support my weight on my left wrist. I was wondering if doing push ups resting your elbows on the ground (much like the plank) would do any good? My trouble is I find it hard to keep weight on and build muscle. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I can't do push ups or chin ups any more.

Many thanks

Drew

 

[Jrahien]

I'm not entirely sure how you would do a pushup with your elbows on the ground, since the elbows are where you would normally bend to do a rep.

Have you been to physiotherapy?

 

[Drewau2005]

I'm not entirely sure how you would do a pushup with your elbows on the ground, since the elbows are where you would normally bend to do a rep.

Have you been to physiotherapy?

Thanks for your reply. Yes I have been to physio but the legacy of the injury is that I just don't have enough strength in that wrist, it may come back soemwhat over time but will always be much weaker thna previously.

I have jsut been doing an exercise whereby I lie with my elbows at 90 degrees and chest oon the foor then I push off with my chest. I am not really sure what this does but I do seem to feel it in my chest after 30 reps.

Is there any exercise that I can substitue for a push up that doesnt involve strong pressure on the wrist?

 

[Jrahien]

Ah, I see. That kind of push up is likely not working your chest muscle in its full range of motion, I wouldn't stick to that. As a substitute for your 'push' workout, (which would work the triceps), maybe try triceps extensions with cables, if you go to the gym. As for your chest, try doing an upright chest press.

I don't know the extent of your injuries, so I can't be sure that these won't still hurt. Just as a side note, however, even though you're a marathon runner, you probably should do more resistance workouts in more than just your triceps, just to keep your strength up.

 

[Drewau2005]

Ah, I see. That kind of push up is likely not working your chest muscle in its full range of motion, I wouldn't stick to that. As a substitute for your 'push' workout, (which would work the triceps), maybe try triceps extensions with cables, if you go to the gym. As for your chest, try doing an upright chest press.

I don't know the extent of your injuries, so I can't be sure that these won't still hurt. Just as a side note, however, even though you're a marathon runner, you probably should do more resistance workouts in more than just your triceps, just to keep your strength up.

Thanks Jrahien. Much appreciated.

Drew