
Advice on improving front squat form to avoid wrist tendinitis
(NOT seeking medical advice, only suggestions on form)
Hi everyone, I started practicing olympic weightlifting about 4 months ago. Been weight training at the gym for years now, so not new to heavy movements.
Currently, I do weightlifting 1 time a week + 3-4 gym days with variations of a push-pull-leg split.
The first 2 months were pain-free but recently, ever since one day we did front squats and overhead press heavily, I notice pain on my right wrist. specifically the Ulnar side. And only when I rotate it inwards.
Aproximate are of pain whe rorating inwards
I can back squat 100kg easily, so I was motivated for the front squats. but ever since that session, the days after weightlifting I'm left with pain. Feels like I'm taking steps back on my recovery every time.
I've been to a physiotherapist and I've been told it's a bit of a tendinitis. Not too serious, but it's taking a bit to recover. I believe it has to do with my posture in the front squat.
I've been watching videos and talking to my coach and I know I have to raise my elbows higher during the front squat and lower for the overhead press. I try to match that but I think I'm still missing something. I've also started using wrist wraps but I've been told to not overuse them as they can further reduce my wrist mobility.
Here's a screengrab of my position. I've been focusing a lot on my back and elbows but still feel the activation. After a few more tries I feel it may have to do with how close I'm keeping the hands. When I place them a bit farther apart I feel less of an activation of that pain, but I'm not sure yet that's it. Notice also how my pinky hangs in the air. It may also just be about wrist mobility...
Please feel free to comment with any suggestions you may have. I know in the pic seems like the bar is not horizontal but it may have been just in this video. I'm fairly new so just want to do a proper form, although I've been told it really depends on the person every time....