Ok Ive had pain in my knee for the last few months. Its to the point now where I cant bowl unless I take pain pills like Aleve or something, and Im still feeling a lot of pain during the first 2 games. The meds dont begin working until the 3rd game anyway. I was advised to 1) get a brace, and 2) go get it checked out which I will definately do as soon as I can. I dont have insurance right now because Im out of work and dont want to pay a ton of money to get it worked on.

What kind of brace would you suggest works best? The pain clearly comes from when I post up at the line and put weight on my knee as I go into the knee bend. Im big on form and technique and have learned to post up and get a good knee bend on every shot but its painful to do so now and its hurt my game by at least 15 pins/game.  I know that the pain stems from me being overweight so I know the cause, but the remedy is what Im looking for. I will definately get my knee looked at within the next few weeks (should be getting a new job) but I need some info on a good knee brace and the best pain relievers besides vics (not into the heavy drugs like that) or if anyone has the same type of issue.

Thanks!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zAQSNIrgyM - Old and outdated!

  Current Arsenal
* Rotogrip Cell - Heavy
* Ebonite Complete NV - Heavy  
* Ebonite Total NV - Heavy
* Track Power Machine - Medium (300 Ball)
* Ebonite Bash - Light                
* Brunswick Total Inferno - Retired
* Track Freak - Retired
* Ebonite The One - Retired

Curent Average
* Monday   - 190
*Started bowling in January 2006

Achievements
*High Game - 300(1) (September 10,2007)
*High Series - 678 (September 10, 2007

Here's my personal experience from this summer...

Began the summer averaging 225 for the first few weeks.  I started running again this summer and experienced some mild knee pain which started to affect my bowling scores.  My average dropped about 15-20 pins the second half of the summer.  

I was first recommended to try one of the magnetic knee braces that fits just under your knee.  I know a lot of people swear by them, but all I can say is that the product was crap for me and actually made the pain worse.

The next recommendation I got was to try fish oil supplements.  I had read about them before in a magazine which explained how good they are supposed to be for arthritis.  All I can say is WOW, for less than $10 a bottle ($20 a year) at wal-mart the pain was 75% gone in 48 hours and now is 90% gone after about 2-3 weeks of use.

I'm now back up to averaging 225 with no problems as I can actually post shots again.  I'm no doctor, but for $10 it can't hurt to try.

Mike

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Michael Nelson
Northern Illinois University Bowling

Edited on 9/15/2008 11:00 AM

I tend to have some pain in the knee also.

I plant, generally don't slide, try to if I can so that's a factor causing distress.

One thing that has helped me now that I am bowling three leagues a week is stretching everday once or twice a day.  Even a few times before and while bowling.

I make sure that my hamstrings, calves, and the knee area are/is always loose.

I also take a few advils as a precaution one hour before bowling to allow disgestion and absorption into the blood.  Generally it takes about 45 minutes to absorb.

I also try to sit down as much as possible between frames.

I have not needed a knee brace and I am bowling more now than ever before.


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The original Pin Krusher

2008/2009 Goal: Composite Avg. - 215

Current Composite Avg. - 210