Q&A with Cam
Learn what might be behind your symptoms
Is a Triceps injury common?
Triceps injuries are uncommon. Pain in the triceps most often occurs due to triceps tendonitis. Other possible causes include triceps tears and snapping triceps syndrome. Treatments can depend on the cause. The triceps muscle is located at the back of the upper arm
Triceps tendonitis often occurs when repetitive or prolonged activities begin to strain the triceps tendon. Some activities that may lead to irritation of the triceps tendon include repetitive pushing movements or straightening the elbow against resistance, such as performing push-ups, dips, or lifting heavy weights.
What problems will tight Triceps cause and how do I avoid them?
The main complaint heard in the clinic relates to pain associated with movement of the shoulder or elbow. This usually follows a significant change in the type, volume or intensity of training.Â
Someone will present complaining of significant pain in their triceps without incident. Usually they wake the day after a change of activity and feel tightness.Â
Commonly day 2 is worse. This is usually described as DOMS. Delayed onset muscle soreness. Rest, light exercise including stretches, compression and light massage and time are the usual remedies.
How often would you treat a Triceps muscle tear?
Very very rarely. I have seen only one Tricep rupture in 30+ years of working in clinics and high collision sport environments.
This was a rugby player attempting to push away another player who was the tackler. The injured player felt an immediate sharp pain and weakness as would be expected.
He underwent a surgical repair within a week and has had no ongoing issues.