Real Tennis Players - Like You! - Asking For, and Offering, Advice on the Sport They Love
Player to Player is USTA.com’s bi-weekly feature in which everyday tennis players are given a forum to ask advice on the sport they love – and their fellow players will dish out advice. We’ll post a number of the best responses we receive to our question of the week. Please send any questions you’d like answered, or responses to other player’s questions, to
Player@USTA.com. -------------------------------------------------------------------
This week’s question from Sean C. of Manassas, VA
My weakness in my game is my height and weight. I'm sixteen years old and I only weigh 105 pounds and I'm coming on 5'8". I'm practicing with 14 and 15 year olds that are hitting the ball 110 and 120. I can counter this pretty well with some power, but that is mostly generated from my form. Does anyone have advice on how I can gain weight and add some power to my game, while still keeping my game consistent?
Please share your advice with Sean C. by e-mailing Player@USTA.com with your name and hometown. Got a question of your own? Send that along, too.
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Last week’s question from Mary W. of Falmouth, MA
I've battled with chronic tennis elbow for the last couple of years. I've tried cortisone, physical therapy, arm braces, bands, creams, pills -- you name it! Is there anyone out there that has survived this and kept playing tennis? Is taking a few months off going to help? I love the sport and would be heart broken to permanently give it up. On the other hand, I feel like I'm making things worse by playing, plus I don't want to let my teammates down by not playing my best.
PLAYER RESPONSES
From Enno P. of Flushing, NY
The only way you’re going to permanently fix that tennis elbow is to take a lesson to correct the mechanical deficiencies that are contributing to the problem. As much as professional tennis players may become injured due to the incredible stress put on their body at the pro level, the one injury you rarely hear affecting them is tennis elbow. Why? Because their strokes are fundamentally sounds. I suspect you probably have a one handed backhand and you’re jabbing at the ball. Doing this just one time puts enormous stress on the joint and will lead to tendonitis. Continuing to do so will eventually result in a full tear. For now it may be beneficial to take a rubber band and wrap it around your fingers, flex your fingers back and forth as many times as you can during the day. This may eventually bring some relief.
From Michael D. of Powder Springs, GA
I don't normally do things like this but tennis elbow is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I am a tennis player but didn't get mine from tennis. I'm in construction and developed it swinging a hammer. I moved to Atlanta from the Boston area (Upton) 4-1/2 years ago and resurrected my love for tennis. I took a year off from doing everything with my arm when I moved south after having five cortisone shots in my elbow in 2-1/2 years. When I discovered that tennis is huge down here (eight lighted courts in our neighborhood) I went to a tennis shop that a co-worker recommended to me. I explained right up front how scared I was to pick up a tennis racquet after what I had been through. The owner of the shop went over to the wall of racquets, picked one out and handed me a ProKennex 5G. In the beginning I was very conscientious about icing my elbow and shoulder after I played. Today, four years later I play 125-150 times a year. I wear a tennis elbow arm band, but don't really need to ice anymore after I play, and I still use the ProKennex 5G. I have a friend in the neighborhood with the same tennis elbow problem who bought the ProKennex 5G on my recommendation and his problem is gone also. Racquet manufacturers phase racquet models out, but ProKennex knows it has a loyal following when it comes to this racquet. If you don't believe me, go to Tennis Warehouse and read the feed back on this racquet. I'm a 50 year old 4.0 player, and because of this racquet I will continue to play three times per week and never think twice about it. Take some time off, let the cortisone heal your elbow and buy this racquet. Take heart, it will get better.
Vincent Buscemi PT, Director of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Winchester Hospital/ Orthopaedics Plus
Your problem is a common one. Given your history, you likely have tendon damage. It is still possible to play tennis and heal your injury, but you need a long-term plan to manage, heal and exercise your elbow in order to TREND your injury towards recovery. It is a balance of all the factors which include strokes, racquet, strength and injury management. If you do not achieve that, you will trend your injury in the wrong direction. You do not live too far from me. If you would like, call me and I will offer my services (no charge) to point you in the right direction. I have been practicing in Winchester for 20 years and have been treating tennis players since. If you know anyone from Winchester that plays tennis, it is likely they may know of me. All for the love of the game and when it comes to tennis, I can't resist a challenge on or off the court (although I am much more successful off the court).
From Phil K. of Houston, TX
I was like you, Mary, trying just about everything for my tennis elbow -- other than switching racket hands. I was extremely skeptical when I heard mention of using acupuncture for tennis elbow treatment. I did a lot of reading on the subject, but could not see how little needles could ever have any positive effect of eliminating elbow pain. I contacted several acupuncturists in this area, and selected one that had claimed prior successes with tennis elbow treatment. I was treated five times, and felt absolutely no improvement. On the sixth visit, I was prepared to tell the acupuncturist that it was not working for me and it would be my last visit. However, before I could tell her that, she told ME that it would her last treatment of me -- as this would be the one that did the trick. Mysteriously, as I left her office, I could sense that I had no elbow pain -- no problems in opening the car door, shifting gears, steering the car, etc. I came home to hit a few balls off the backboard and, well, no pain! That was three years ago, and I have not had a twinge of pain in my tennis elbow since. So, Mary, give it try -- it's not expensive, not painful, and it might be your best solution. Good luck!
From Rob L. of Scituate, MA
Like you I have been constantly battling tennis elbow for about 3 years now. I've been through two rounds of physical therapy, one cortisone shot, lots of stretches and numerous ointments. Sadly, I have not found a cure-all for this problem -- but you should not lose hope as there are still options for you to pursue. Try these tips which have helped me greatly: First, take two weeks off from tennis. Then, find a 2 lb. runner's dumbbell that has a built-in handle. Sit in front of the TV with your arm resting on the armrest of a sofa or chair and your hand dangling over the edge - supported at the wrist. Place the handle of the dumbbell over your finger tips just below where your fingers meet your knuckles. With your palm facing down, slowly lift the dumbbell with your fingers to full vertical extension and return to rest equally slowly. Perform three sets of 25 reps each day.
Strengthening the forearm helps to take pressure off the elbow. In addition, you may want to pursue acupuncture or acupressure. Finally, take a lesson and have the pro focus on your technique, paying particular attention to the backhand -- they may find a weakness in your form that can be corrected with the result being less shocking to your arm. I hope something in there is helpful. Make sure you look me up when you are ready to hit again. I work down the street from you in Woods Hole!
From Karen D. of Seattle, WA
I struggled with tennis elbow for over a year (I am 46) and I did not want to stop playing or take any time off. I asked a tennis coach if he had any advice and he said as a last resort to string my racquet looser. I did and I have not had a problem since. I have no idea how tightly it was strung previously, nor the type of strings, but the pro shop seemed to understand what I was telling them and it completely cured it. You may want to try that.
From Daniel
I think you should take a rest and go to a relaxing place such as Hawaii for a week or two.
From Stephanie of Rockford, IL
I too suffered from chronic elbow pain and used the straps. I had x-rays taken that confirmed tendonitis. I didn't quit. I iced and took ibuprofen after using that arm, even after vacuuming. I used a movie camera to evaluate my contact point and follow through and noticed my shoulder wasn't completely parallel with the net and my follow through was “wristy” (not through the ball, like swinging a baseball bat). Concentrate on making contact with the ball in the middle of your racquet head and have plenty of warm-up time before a match. This change required me to do weights with my wrists. I have a great one-handed backhand with no pain if I take my time, warm-up, turn my shoulder and strengthen my forearm. I don't need a strap but ice when I over do it. Good Luck.
From Bob C.
Everyone is different, and what works for one person does not work for another. I suddenly got tennis elbow. My professional said I was hitting the ball too late and that I can cure that with always (and he means always) getting my racquet back early. If I am not able to get the racquet back, I don't hit at the ball and accept a lost point. So, I went to my physical therapist and he said I should ice my elbow often and repeatedly. I needed to be careful not to give my elbow frost bite. I am still getting over the tennis elbow, but my progress is such that I now feel just a slight twinge.
From Laura D. of New Canaan, CT
I suffered from tennis elbow for a season. I actually hurt my arm carrying something heavy and as soon as I hit my next ball, the pain was terrible. It lasted from October until June. I took a few months off, bought a copper bracelet with magnets and when I started again in September the problem was gone. It seemed like the addition of the bracelet in August did the trick. I still wear the cushion on my arm from time to time as the backhands can cause a slight recurrence.
From J M.
I am going through the same thing. I've been to the doctor for the Cortisone shot and used CT Cream that I found on a tennis site. It seems to help. One thing that I know is working is a regimen of exercises that strength that forehand muscle. Squeezing tennis balls are helping as well.
From Paul B. of Shrewsbury, MA
I have played tennis many times in Falmouth, a really great town on Cape Cod! If your tennis elbow is that serious, first you MUST REST. Now that it’s winter season, maybe take 60 days off. Along with some basic Advil or Motrin, this will reduce the inflammation. Now, time for an equipment check-up. Is the frame you’re using too stiff? Heavy? Grip too small? Talk to a pro and show him your racquet. Lastly, string tension is critical. Try stringing 5-7 lbs. LOWER. Let the strings absorb the shock, not your arm. Also, try a lighter gauge string, maybe 17g. Tennis elbow can be very stubborn, but it will fade. Remember this: RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. It works for many overuse injuries. Just think of all the Tennis Magazine's you'll catch up on when resting.
From Clément D. of Norcross, GA
I am 64 years old and went through periods of tennis elbow a number of times in my life. I tried everything, but the only successful method has been to stop completely playing tennis for at least 6 months. Whenever I resumed playing, I can usually play for 8 to 12 years without any problems. When the problem arises, I repeat the cycle. The secret is to stay away from the racket for at least 6 months. It is like trying to quit smoking. If you go back too early, you have to start all over again. Hey, it worked for me over a 45 year period so far, and I am still enjoying singles tennis. Most of my longtime tennis friends have given up tennis for golf due to knee, shoulder and tennis elbow problems.
From John G. of Lake Ariel, PA
My experiences with tennis elbow occur when I go back to not hitting the ball far enough in front, especially on my serve. As long as I'm keeping the ball out in front, I find I have no problems with tennis elbow or any other arm problems. Have a friend or a pro check your stroke to see where you are contacting the ball.
From Kevin F.
You mentioned several treatments for your elbow, but no equipment changes. I have read that more flexible and heavier rackets reduce stress on the elbow. Thinner rackets (the width of the head where the strings go through) are reportedly more flexible and reduce stress and vibration transmitted to the elbow. Also, a slightly heavier racket--like the old Prince Graphite Classic that is slightly "head heavy"--reportedly deliver less stress to the elbow. Give one a try. You might also consider building up the arm and shoulder muscles to help handle the heavier racket and reduce the need for the lighter, stiffer ones. I did switch to an old Prince Graphite for a few weeks and it did seem to help, but the pain didn't go away entirely. Now I mostly use my light, stiff racket again and I still have pain but it is tolerable and does not keep me from playing.
From Minh Q. of NC
Thirty years ago when I started to compete, I had my first incident. I had a one-handed backhand and a continental grip, and I attacked the ball a little too far out. When I changed my grip to a semi-eastern grip and let the ball come closer, it solved my problem. Two years later, as I was moving up to the pro level, I found myself with a lot of difficulties in handling their fast and heavy balls, and my elbow started to hurt badly. Through a conversation with one of the top national players, I've learned that I didn't hold my grip strong enough. You need to squeeze the grip as strong as you can before you hit the ball and relax after you follow through with your shot. Take a minute or two to squeeze the grip and toss the racquet to warm-up your hand and fingers. Most importantly, during the first 5-10 minutes, center the ball well (this will also help you further in the game) to avoid any vibration. Once you get used to these steps, it will become natural, and will help you to get a better feel for the ball. Within four weeks my elbow pain disappeared and my game got much better.
From Barbara J.
The only way to recover from serious tennis elbow is to take time off. I had to stop playing for eight months. During that time I used my left arm for the many other things we do every day that further aggravate tennis elbow, and had physical therapy. If you try to play too soon (which I did) it will return with a vengeance. When I was able to play again with NO pain, I always used an elastic active support (still do) that I got with a prescription from my physical therapists, and I always ice my arm after playing. When I first returned to play, I made certain that I rested my arm one day before I played again. I've managed to play with no pain for several years. It takes patience but it's worth it long term.
From Howard of FL
I went through a bout with tennis elbow, first with the right arm, then with the left. Each occurrence took about a year-and-a-half to recover from, but I never stopped playing. I got through it using physical therapy, lots of ice, a change of racquets and stringing as low as 35#. One more thing--take lessons so that you learn to hit the ball earlier. Stroke mechanics is a big factor.
*Please note that any advice given out in this forum should in no way be confused with actual medical advice. Before starting any new exercise regimen or altering your existing one, we strongly urge you to consult with your regular physician.
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