Tricep pain....

whirlpool

I've been doing tricep overhead extensions and today shortly after I started them I felt a pain in my left tricep. The pain sensation felt like the tricep was being torn slightly. I lowered the weight and engaged the assisting muscles and was able to power through without any pain, but there was still noticeable discomfort.

I would class it as a very mild pain but I don't want to do any further damage. Any tips on the best way forward with this?

As someone who can't even do a pull-up yet I don't know what tricep exercises are available to me besides the overhead extensions, but I don't feel they are good for a beginner.

Doug Cartel

For future reference a sudden pain in one side is bad, and not something you should ignore.

If the pain isn't so bad it affects your work or anything like that, just rest up for a while and then start back at a sensible weight. If the pain is really bad, or it doesn't go away after a week or two, go see a physio.

Alf Veedersane

The overhead extension hits the long head of the tricep and most exercises for the long head will be variants of the same thing: skullcrushers, DB overhead extensions, etc.

You don't have to break it down to that level though....you could try the likes of dips and kickbacks.

But it sounds like you just went too heavy on the overhead extensions in the first place. I wouldn't rule them out just yet. After resting the triceps to make sure there's no pain, go back and do them at the lower weight or see if you can go up one step and take it from there.

Caliden

If your gym has a cable machine you can do cable tricep extensions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtXRSGwe_WY

TimeToShine

Don't ever "power through" pain and discomfort. Know the difference between pushing yourself and hurting yourself.

whirlpool

Thanks for the info and advice everyone. I'll rest the triceps for during the next workout and see how they are after that. I'll give the cable extensions a go.

Vito Corleone

I don't want to hijack this thread, but if your muscles are sore even 2 days after a workout should you power through or rest?

whirlpool

Vito Corleone wrote: »

I don't want to hijack this thread, but if your muscles are sore even 2 days after a workout should you power through or rest?

I read online on a "reputable" source that working out with DOMS is not only okay but it can also help relieve the soreness.

I also read the exact opposite on another "reputable" source.

From what I gather, this would be my third-hand advice:
Assuming you are 100% certain that the pain is DOMS and it's not muscle strain, and at least 48 hours have passed since your last workout, then you could begin the workout with caution and see how you feel during it. If the pain gets worse then stop, and stretch, but if it eases up then complete the workout.

Caliden

I'd be asking the question why are you targeting the same muscle group after 2 days. I normally get DOMS 48 hours after a workout anyway, the day after is the calm before the storm.

TimeToShine

Yeah you can. Make sure you do your dynamic stretching beforehand and do some static stretching + foam roll after if you have one.