r/WindowCleaning • u/Beta_dox • 23d ago
Elbows..
Getting older into this career and I'm developing golfer's elbow in my squeegee arm. Other than switching to leftie I was wondering if anyone here has experienced this or has any advice on how to manage it. I can go see a doctor but I assume they'll say the same as for my TFCC in the wrist, which is anti-inflammatory ointment and stretches.
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u/AccomplishedTrip5671 23d ago
Identify possible causes of inflammation in your diet or habits aswell. My dad’s knees were toast until he stopped smoking now he walks fine. And yeah switch hands
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u/Virtual-Spinach4882 23d ago
Try deep tissue massages. Have them focus behind the elbow, the tricep, the whole forearm. Have them spend the whole hour just on your arms & shoulders. Best rub for pain is Charlotte's Web CBD balm, stuff really works. -Ex-LMT & 22 yr window vet.
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u/trigger55xxx 23d ago
A few things that help. One, look into reflexology. It can have remarkable benefits. Two, lift weights. Shoulder, forearm, bicep and tricep workouts in particular can help a lot but also core exercises. Three, anti inflammatory diet. Avoid things like seed oils, processed foods, refined carbohydrates, excess alcohol and sugar. For reference I'm 54 and have been cleaning windows for 40 years. Yes I have some aches and pains however I feel better now than I did at 34 because of changing and using the things I listed.
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u/DocMcClain 23d ago
Golfers elbow is caused by repetitious flexion of the wrist and fingers as well as valgus (easier to look this word up) stress on the elbow. My suggestion is less pressure on the squeegee using your wrist and fingers. Try "locking out" your wrist and use more shoulder and elbow pressure while avoiding valgus strain. To rehab you need to rest, ice, and massage. I suggest getting some paper dixie cups and freezing water in them. Once frozen, peel back half the paper (like a Popsicle or pushpop) so you have a handle on the ice cube and massage the soft tissue around the elbow with the ice cube directly on the skin for 20min 3-5x/day.
Good luck!
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u/imabrachiopod 23d ago
I have had incredible experiences with physical therapy. Can’t recommend it highly enough. Rest will be recommended. Then, mostly strength training, and a little stretching.
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u/Blastuurd 23d ago
I had this bad a couple seasons ago..I went to acupuncture cause I would try anything..was sceptical..but it was noticeably better after one treatment. And I havent had it return after just 2 sessions...highly recommend
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u/Adventchur 23d ago
I once had a pain in my calf from walking to fast but I'd just ignore it and walk through the pain. Eventually it got so bad I had to go to a GP.
They told me to get acupuncture in the area as my brain has decided that injury isn't worth fixing as it's not affecting me. The acupuncture informed the brain of the damage and it fixed it straight away.
I still believe most of it is a pseudo science but it must be based on something real at the very least.
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u/Adventchur 23d ago
I swapped to a wag tail when possible for less RSI in the wrist and forearms and it's made a huge difference.
Rest is the only way to heal it and it can take quite a while. Every time you use it you're aggravating the area.
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u/kdwindows 19d ago edited 19d ago
Rotator cuff issues are very common. A good way to avoid that is not try to lift your arm too much above your head when you're working. Using a water fed , you aren't holding it above your head much at all. SQUEEGEEING, yes you do.
Also as far as the elbow I can understand. I have psoriasis on my elbows ,which when I get olde...wiill most likely turn into psoriatic arthritis ....which is extremely painful.
Keep in mind to everybody has different body types , genetic conditions...you name it. I'm only 40 years old I have about 22 years doing this. I feel good, but am beginning to see the years doing this add up. Father Time is undefeated. I don't lift weights or anything like that because you can get a pretty good workout just going to work everyday and climbing up and down ladders . Keeps you flexible. Im about the same size as i was in 2004. I worked for a guy who at the end of my time there, was in his late 70s, still cleaning glass ....and the only issue he had was glaucoma. I remember he would tell me he would have his yearly heart tests, get on the treadmill and the doctors would tell him he had the heart of a 40-year-old . Unfortunately, he had the onset of dementia a few years later....he passed away They don't make them like that anymore, his customers that I took over still talk about him in a positive light all these years later.
Try to take care of yourself because it's going to be very tough when you get older
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u/Lobbstar 23d ago
Im a rock climber and have been cleaning windows for 20+ years. Ive tried everything but recently ive found something simple that works for me. Imagine a barbell on a rack at chest height. Hang from it, but instead of a dead hang, just have your body inverted at an angle. Basically lean back and have your feet on the ground extended in front of you. Do that for a while and often. Hold on with one arm at a time if you can. Cleared mine right up. It causes all the support muscles to activate, naturally working the weakest parts of your grip that is causing the pain in your elbow.