I haven't lifted heavy in several years because I have major tennis elbow, which I'm sure was caused by bad lifting technique on certain exercises. Recently I discovered some stretches that alleviates the pain enough that I can do some heavier lifting again, but with limitations.

Previously when I would do a flat/incline bench, I would bring the bar down to lightly touch my chest. I would position my hands so that they form a 90 degree angle at the lowest point in the motion. This seems to also be the recommendation by the majority of lifters. I did this for a few years without problems.

However, while trying to assess my injury, my physical therapist told me that bringing the bar that low is probably what caused by elbow injury. He said that the low point in the range of motion should be when the back of your arms/triceps form a straight line with your back.

Obviously, this is a signficant difference. It contradicts the experience of many experienced lifters. And that is almost a whole foot of difference in the distance the bar descends.

While doing some light reading on others' accounts in lifting communities, there seems to be a whole mixed bag of experiences and opinion related to this topic. Some say they have experienced injuries while doing it the way my PT had recommended.

I wanted to dive further on this topic and see what others' thoughts and experiences were. General thoughts about the best/safest range of motion? Have you had tennis elbow before and did you change your range of motion on the bench? In what limiting the range of motion hurt/help? Thanks.