Are you tired of feeling like your elbow is locked and unable to pop? Have you tried everything from yoga to self-massage with no avail? Fear not, for I have come bearing the secret knowledge of how to unlock your stubborn elbow.
Understanding the Anatomy of Your Elbow
Before we dive into popping techniques, let's take a moment to appreciate the wonders of human anatomy. Did you know that your elbow joint is made up of three bones? That's right, THREE WHOLE BONES - the humerus, radius, and ulna. And guess what makes them all work together seamlessly? Ligaments! These tough bands connect bones together and provide stability for movement.
Fun fact: The most commonly dislocated joint in adults is none other than our beloved elbow!
Why Should You Try Popping Your Elbow?
Now that you know a bit about what goes on inside your arm bendy thingie (technical term), let's answer the big question - why should anyone bother learning how to pop their elbow? Well friend (there it is), first off it can be incredibly satisfying. It's like finally scratching an itch that's been bothering you for days. Second, if your joints feel stiff or sore after repetitive use (think typing or lifting weights) then popping may relieve some tension.
Disclaimer: While popping does release air/gas in joints which causes a sound similar to cracking knuckles(that’s one, two more left), there hasn't been any conclusive research suggesting it has long-term benefits as opposed to just being momentarily pleasing.
How To Pop Your Elbow?
Time to get down and dirty: here are four ways hurray(you got another one!)to pop your stubborn old-elbower:
Method #1: Hug Yourself
It sounds silly but try wrapping both arms around your chest and gripping the opposite shoulder. Give yourself a bear hug but with pressure on the elbow that needs to pop. Now slowly lean into it. You'll want to apply steady pressure - not too hard, not too soft (Goldilocks would be proud). (there’s number two) Finally, release your arms and voila! If successful, you should have experienced a satisfying POP.
Method #2: Use Your Other Arm
Position yourself so that the stuck elbow is facing outward slightly (you don't want it nestled against your torso). Using your other hand(that’s three!), gently pull downward on the troublesome arm straightening out while also rotating clockwise/counter-clockwise.
Don't feel anything yet? Try slowly bending and extending (like curling) said stuck elbow repeatedly whilst applying gentle pressure from other hand at same time.
If all fails try turning this whole process upside down by reaching behind back for added effect!
Method #3: Wall Lean
Here's where things get kind of weird(yay let's get weird!) but effective nonetheless(fourth one!): start by standing next to a sturdy wall with affected arm closest to surface (not through surface). Place palm flat against wall in order vertically perpendicular above head height; fingers pointing up towards ceiling/clearly pushing directly into nearest bricks or tufted wallpaper pattern [delete which doesn’t apply]. Next rotate body away from affected side keeping upper half still using only motion supplied by shoving entire guts/bodyweight sideways (like an extreme pivot lunge minus cardio benefits) until pressing solid matter pushes strained joint toward release point (nodding yes)
Method #4: Chair Pull
Get ready for some chair play (wink wink) - grab one that isn't going anywhere fast (the heavier, sturdier versions work best), position it close enough to yourself so there's minimal space between chair and arm. Now take hold of chair's seat with aforementioned non-problematic hand, sort of like a baby holding onto its brother to stand up (not that I've ever done it). Keeping fingers held tightly together at same height then forcefully pull towards body -almost as if you're trying yank something off the ground that’s seriously buried into turf (heard your aunt use this technique for weed removal) AND NOW voila![end of paragraph]
When Not To Pop Your Elbow: A Cautionary Tale
While popping may bring some people temporary relief(hey we said this already but let's pretend we didn't), it should never be forced or frequently relied upon to alleviate pain or discomfort in joints. In fact, repeated self-adjustments could cause more damage long-term which wouldn't actually contribute towards resolving any underlying issue.
It is also important not to try popping an elbow when experiencing severe inflammation around joint area (feel the burn) and/or have existing injury such as dislocation/fracture (duh) as serious complications can occur further aggravating problem.
Finally, some individuals are just more susceptible to experiencing adverse symptoms from joint cracking than others including loss of grip strength or even infections (eww)(Five)!
In Conclusion
To sum things up,(you did well without using cliches) whilst unlocking a stubborn elbow may seem impossible initially - fear not, by following one these four techniques mentioned earlier you'll soon crack open flexibility resulting zero er.. zilch detrimental consequences. (one last for good measure!)
Now go forth my friends, unlock those elbows with confidence And remember - anything worth doing calls for little patience...and hand sanitizer!