Form, handle shape and elbow pain

[JoeK]

I've had elbow pain on and off for 15 plus years.  I've avoided serious bouts by pacing my shooting.  Instead of shooting a quiver full at a time I limit to 3 arrows.  This helps a lot.  However I got a twinge a few days ago which made me rethink the nasty bugger. Try this.  Hold your bow arm straight in front you and grab the elbow, placing your finger tips on the tendon that inserts right into the elbow. Now flex your wrist simulating a straight wrist form/recurve handle, then a broken wrist/traditional undished grip. I can feel the tendon stretch and tighten, and I can feel the triceps flex a bit too.  Makes me think that a good part of the elbow pain is due to the extra flex and stretch the tendon and elbow get from deep dished handles.  What do you think?  I fear changing my shooting style, but I fear the pain more.  So I'm going to sell one of my bows and replace it with a more standard grip.  Hopefully I'll be shooting more and enjoying it more.  

Joe  

[Stagmitis]

Joek,

Improper grips cause all kinds of grief!

 What youre describing is a true in-line had position. Notice that with too much heel pressure or high wrist the tendon in the elbow is stressed. But if the hand is in the proper position you can "push" as hard as you want and the muscles in the forearm as well as the tendon in the elbow takes NO undue strain.

[JoeK]

So, yes, improper hand position causes grief.  The question is, which grip will most likely improve position and reduce the likely hood of pain caused by over stretched tendons? I'd like to hear how you describe "proper" hand position. I've talked myself into selling a bow and getting a new one.  So even if I'm wrong, I'm still gonna have more fun. Joe