A method and an apparatus monitor the physical state of a suspension means that is connected to an elevator car and can move the same. The support means has markings along its length that divide the support means into segments. The strain difference of the suspension means is monitored segment by segment using a first strain at a first load and a second strain at a second load being determined by a signal processing unit from a distance between two selected markings detected by a detection device, and a strain difference representing the elastic behavior of the segment is calculated from the two strains, wherein the load acting on the suspension means between the two selected markings is measured by a load measuring device.