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QUESTION:

Dear Coach:

Last Tuesday I ran my hand into a brick wall by accident. My thumb bent back and I heard it "snap". I had x-rays taken of it but nothing was broken.

Then later that day I tied my boots and it "snap"ed again. I have it in a splint. I do olympic style weightlifting and am going to be in competition in a month. Is my thumb going to be healed enough to lift in the competition or even to get at least two weeks of good training in? If not what other weightlifting can I do till my hand is healed? Or better yet what kind of exercises can I do for my hand?

Thanx,

Deana Thompson

ANSWER:

Dear Deana:

Unfortunately, I can give you little advice on WHEN, or HOW to go about treating your injury to your hand.

This is due to the fact that I have not seen a diagnosis of the injury by a medical professional or even a functional assessment via visual observation of whatever limitations may be involved.

Without knowing exactly what is going on with the bones, connective tissue structures and musculature of the hand, thumb, wrist and elbow, it is impossible to make any recommendations as to the proper functional strength and conditioning activities you should perform.

As to when you can resume your OL, that will depend on the severity of the injury and the success of your treatment plan. See a licensed physical therapist who has a background in sports performance and/or strength training for the hand to be looked at. Or try a chiropractor with a background in sports medicine, i.e., a CCSP.

Once you are treated and released for activity/training, let pain and discomfort dictate what exercises you perform, what speed you perform the exercises at, what intensity of loading you utilize and what grip you choose to use (i.e., hook, or more traditional non-hook grip variations).

Don't push yourself too fast or too hard. Remember, a few weeks off from training today may save you from having to take a few months off tomorrow.

I apologize for not being more specific in my recommendations. Good luck and I hope you heal quickly.

Sincerely,

Richard C. Lansky, CSCS
Director of Sports Performance
OPTI Sports & Fitness Clinic
Sarasota, Florida USA

NOTICE: THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THIS COLUMN ARE NOT MEANT AS MEDICAL ADVICE.

YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT A PHYSICIAN OR THE APPROPRIATE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY OF THE ACTIVITIES, DRILLS OR EXERCISES DESCRIBED IN THIS OR ANY OTHER PART OF THE O.P.T.I. SPORTS & FITNESS CLINIC WEBSITE

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PERFORM ANY OF THESE ACTIVITIES WITHOUT QUALIFIED SUPERVISION, SUCH AS THAT PROVIDED BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL OR CERTIFIED STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING SPECIALIST

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