Elbow pains

Hi,
I just started boxing in a proper gym with a proper trainer though I was already used to the heavy bag and excesrcise in general.

However, I've noticed a pain in my left elbow when I do shadow boxing, particularly with the jab, just when the arm goes straight.

Anyone know exactly what it could be? A strained tendon perhaps?

And what's more important; how long does it usually take to cure?

Is shadow boxing particularly hard on joints?

Thanks in advance.

did you hyperextend it?

shadow boxing should not be hard on joints, no. Left hooks on a bag, yes, sometimes.

Yeah - it sounds as if you are throwing the jab all the way. Obviously, when you are shadowboxing, there is nothing to hit and you are 'overstretching' the joint.

Try to always keep your elbow ever so slightly bent (even when the jab would be fully extended to hit the guy).

Many injuries in the ring are caused by swinging and missing - this hyperextends the joint and knackers it. It is easy to sort through proper control and technique and it's better for you that you found this out now rather than when you had built up a bad habit.

I knwo it's hard to go against your body, but you need to train yourself to throw that punch slightly differently - it will be worth it!

Good luck.

Where to exactly is the pain?
I used to have a wicked pain in my upper forearm (very close to my elbow) after a while on the bags or a few double jabs.
It was bad, stopped me from holding my hand up. It was just down to conditioning though, as it was a muscle pain as i went more it got less and less painful and eventually went away.
But listen to the advice above also, a hyperextended joint is no fun,

It ain't as bad as not being able to hold my arm up, just a sharp twinge. But sharp enough...

I also thought that it was all because of throwing the jab too loose and wild, thus harming the tendon but I've just asked a physiotherapist today and he said it was "bursitis". The liquid that cushiones your elbow swells up, like after a hard knock (or jabbing like mad after a long time without training ;D). Cold therapy and 2-3 days rest. Nothing bad luckally.

I'll try out that jab more carefully after a couple of days then. Thanks for the advice lads!

Most people injure more often if they don't get properly warmed up and stretched out, before getting in the ring or on the bag. Also the dominant elbow injures more often because the jab landed and the power backed up, only find the target moved a bit. Ouch!

OldTownBoxing