Expert: Chip Aki - 9/17/2008

Question
Chip, You have been so helpful with my game. You'll remember I am the bowler that ask you about track placement and going to Carol Norman for coaching and am lefthanded. I have developed a forearm pain with some bruising the underneath side of the forearm. It is painful on the bottom of the down swing. This has recently re occurred from a year ago when I had a ball hang on my hand and went up over my head without letting go. stretching my arm out and trying to bend either my index,middle,or ring or pinkie finger towards my palm presents pain up the forearm. No elbow or wrist pain. Span is the same as always and pitches are the same. zero on thumb and 3/8 on fingers reverse. This problem comes and goes. I can rest about 2-3 days and it disappears and returns after bowling at times. Any suggesstions? thanks again for your continued help.

Answer
Do you wear a wrist device?

Without being able to see you bowl, it sounds like you may be trying to accelerate your swing too much at or before the release.  The next time you go bowl, concentrate on having your swing be the same speed throughout the motion.  As odd as it may sound, you may actually increase your rev rate some by doing this.  If you lose some ball speed, try to lengthen the swing instead of trying to speed up the swing.

One other thing to watch for, if you get to video, make sure you arent rotating your arm during the swing.  That can cause forearm pain too.

Good luck,
Chip