The Theraband Flexbar has been a life saver since I started using it for my Golfer’s elbow.
For home gym owners and fitness enthusiasts, recovery tools are important so we can continue with the day to day grind.
I’ve being doing a lot of pull ups lately and it’s caused pain on the inside of my elbow (medial epicondylitis) that limits what I can grip and pull.
So I’ll share how the Flexbar works and how I’ve used it so far to speed up my recovery.
Unboxing
The Theraband Flexbar comes in a box colored according to the resistance level.
I got a green Flexbar which is intermediate resistance.
Here’s what the Flexbar looks like once I took it out of the box.
It’s about a foot long, cylindrical, and made out of tough rubber.
I took a close up pic of the ridges on it so you can get a better look at its texture.
These ridges make it easy to grip and twist while I’m doing doing Golfer’s elbow exercises.
They also sell 2 other bars that are color coded based on their resistance level.
Specs
- Material: Rubber
- Length: 12″ long
- Diameter: Red Flexbar 1 3/4″, Green Flexbar 1 1/2″, Blue Flexbar 2″
- Resistance: Red Flexbar 10 lbs, Green Flexbar 15 lbs, Blue Flexbar 25 lbs
How I Got Golfer’s Elbow
I started doing daily pull ups with a weight vest and this is what started the pain on the inside of my elbow.
Nothing wrong with pull ups but I didn’t give my forearms enough recovery time for the extra volume I was doing.
In hindsight, using more of a neutral grip would’ve decreased the stress on my forearms and elbows.
What Is The Flexbar?
The Flexbar is a rubber tube that can be bent and twisted to provide resistance for the wrists, forearms, and shoulders.
When using it for tendonitis, I twist it until it creates eccentric resistance on my forearm muscles and tendons.
Eccentric loading is the same philosophy the Knees Over Toes Guy uses to get people out of knee pain and this works the same way.
Theraband Flexbar Protocol For Golfer’s Elbow
Theraband recommends using the Flexbar 3 times a day for 15 repetitions each time.
So that’s what I’ve been doing, specifically doing the Reverse Tyler Twist.
Theraband Flexbar Alternatives
The Strong Arm
Other Golfer’s elbow treatment options I’ve used include The Strong Arm.
I started using the Strong Arm forearm and wrist strengthener but my elbow was too flared up to handle it so I had to tone it down.
Fiix Elbow
Then I got a hold of the Fiix Elbow machine which works to break up scar tissue in the tendons.
Combined with basic forearm stretching and strengthening exercises, the pain has gotten better.
Theraband Flexbar Pros & Cons
Pros
- Inexpensive: At less than $20 per Flexbar, it’s a cheap way to treat Golfer’s elbow
- Convenient: I can treat myself from home without having to visit a physical therapist
- Versatile: I can use it to strengthen and rehab my wrists, forearms, and shoulders
- Durable: Thick rubber that’s impossible for my hands to damage
- Portable: I throw the Flexbar in my book bag and can treat my elbow pain from anywhere
Cons
- Dirt: Gets dirty easily but can be cleaned with soap and water
My Experience With The Theraband Flexbar
I’ve had good results using the Flexbar as part of my Golfer’s elbow rehab and the exercises are easy to do.
For me the hardest part about dealing with Golfer’s elbow has been learning to rest and modify my workouts.
I’m so used to going in my garage gym and using my equipment without limits but now I have to test out what doesn’t flare up my elbow.
Dumbbell Exercises
I found neutral grip exercises like hammer curls don’t place any stress on my inside elbow.
If I try straight barbell curls or preacher curls, I still feel a discomfort.
So for now I’m sticking to my Snode dumbbells and neutral grip bars like the TGrip barbell.
Pulling Exercises
Since my PRx rack has a straight pull up bar, I use Kensui Swissies for neutral grip pull ups.
When doing lat pulldowns, landmine rows, or seated cable rows, I use the ultimate row handle’s neutral grip option.
Conclusion: Should You Buy The Theraband Flexbar
If you’re suffering from Golfer’s elbow, the Flexbar is an inexpensive tool that can help you get out of pain.
Super simple to use and saves me a lot on therapy visits.
It’s allowed me to rehab my elbow pain while still being able to stay in the gym.
Theraband Flexbar
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