That's a great suggestion. The Phantom is the successor to the Tour 100, which was the most arm-friendly racquet on the market for a long time. If you use the Phantom and synthetic gut or multifilament then you can scratch off equipment problems from your list. BTW, 48 pounds with synthetic gut or multifilament on the Phantom or Tour 100 would be extremely trampoline-like. I would personally start in the high 50's and I wouldn't be afraid to go up from there. I strung my Prince Tour 98 ESP racquet with my non-poly setup at 66 pounds, and believe me that was still the most arm-friendly racquet you could find anywhere.
Golfer elbow from playing tennis?
- Thread starter Tennisguy777
- Start date
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
Wow, TW review gave it a Comfort score of 89. As good or even better than the best (most arm-friendly) frames from Volkl, PoKennex or (previous) Prince models.
Curious
G.O.A.T.
All the specs are very similar to Prince tour 100. I wonder what's new about it.
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
I guess the TeXtreme composition is one diff from earlier versions of the Tour 100. Howeve' the last generation of Tour 100s used this technology. Slight diffs in weight and swingweight. The beam width for the Phamtom is 16mm / 18mm / 20mm. For the Tour 100 it is 18.5mm / 20mm / 18.5mm.
Tennisguy777
Professional
Ok guys so I haven't been playing with my left hand for almost 3 weeks now and there is still slight pain. I've been hitting with my right hand on the wall (3 weekends) and it's coming along really well. Aside from backhands (1 hander is hopeless, I lack the arm and shoulder strength to drive the ball) volley and serves, my forehand is about good enough to take on the court. To prove to my pals I was ready, I took the racquet off one of them while they were rallying and I jumped in with my khakis and dress shoes ( mind you on clay). The first ball I dumped into the ground (naturally first time hitting a righty forehand) and they mocked me. The next 3 balls I rallied and I hit a deep righty forehand to which he replied with a drop shot that I ran to and flicked over the net with a semi backhand slice for a winner. They all went hysterical and ran off the court.
tmc5005
Rookie
What racquet are you using, it can make a huge difference on how your elbow feels. My current list of top 10 arm elbow friendly racquets includes.
Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
Wilson Ultra Tour (
Volkl Vsense 10 325g
Pro Kennex Kinetic KI Q Tour
Pro Kennex QI K5 315
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson Countervale Blade 98 18×20 L
WILSON Pro Staff 97S
Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
Wilson Ultra Tour (
Volkl Vsense 10 325g
Pro Kennex Kinetic KI Q Tour
Pro Kennex QI K5 315
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson Countervale Blade 98 18×20 L
WILSON Pro Staff 97S
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
You might need 6-12 months off.
Playing with your other arm is literally the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen posted on this forum.
Step away from tennis.
Explore something else in life.
Check back in 6 months.
If it hurts again, take 12 months off.
Playing with your other arm is literally the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen posted on this forum.
Step away from tennis.
Explore something else in life.
Check back in 6 months.
If it hurts again, take 12 months off.
I agree, ditto your statement. Plus see a doctor for your injures and pain.
jklos
Professional
I had golfer's elbow from tennis for about a year and a half. I took 3 months off and did some physio and massage stuff. It helped a bit but the only real cure is to stop playing. I should of took more time off but i thought once it was almost better I'd give it go. Luckily for me it did go away and it hasn't come back. I still use poly strings and my arm is still fine.
Rob0101
New User
I'm in the same situation as MC London, except my previous bout was with a sub-acrominal impingement and tendentious in the shoulder, which cost me 6 months off-court a few years back.
I've had tennis elbow for a few years now, and manage it with a Band-It and ice after playing . Now, for maybe 6 months I have golfers elbow as well (neither condition bothers me while actually playing). It cropped up about the same time that I started serving more seriously (history of an abbreviated follow-through on forehand, so same is probably the culprit on service)
There are times when sleeping on that side that I get shooting pains, or I get burning from the TE. Amazingly, I have so much less strength in that arm for carrying things, but have no problem hitting on-court with power! It's strictly an off-court deal.
Luckily, I mouse with my left hand (HIGHLY recommended).
You guys are scaring me because stopping playing is a no-go for me, but unfortunately my softer Yonex is out of commission, and I'm back to the Pure Drive (72RA). I was smart enough to put Solinco Heaven 1.2mm strings on it (multi -- for comfort and spin) @ just under 53 lbs (24kg) -- don't want to go lower, since it's probably already down to 23kg now, natuarally. Need to maintain enough control.
Totally agree with the guys saying physio and form is more important, and so I am also heading back to physio and have organised serving lessons.
One very weird thing: I have GE on my LEFT elbow too !! I have a OHBH, so I thought maybe it was from when once or twice in a match I would spontaneously hit a 2 hander for enough power while defending a deep shot behind me to my left. Nope. Have it today after just practicing. Sympathetic injury ? Could there be some strain happening on serve ?
Too bad instructors aren't trained enough in physio to watch for injury-inducing play. Once a guy is out, it might be for a lifetime. Doesn't help the business...
I've had tennis elbow for a few years now, and manage it with a Band-It and ice after playing . Now, for maybe 6 months I have golfers elbow as well (neither condition bothers me while actually playing). It cropped up about the same time that I started serving more seriously (history of an abbreviated follow-through on forehand, so same is probably the culprit on service)
There are times when sleeping on that side that I get shooting pains, or I get burning from the TE. Amazingly, I have so much less strength in that arm for carrying things, but have no problem hitting on-court with power! It's strictly an off-court deal.
Luckily, I mouse with my left hand (HIGHLY recommended).
You guys are scaring me because stopping playing is a no-go for me, but unfortunately my softer Yonex is out of commission, and I'm back to the Pure Drive (72RA). I was smart enough to put Solinco Heaven 1.2mm strings on it (multi -- for comfort and spin) @ just under 53 lbs (24kg) -- don't want to go lower, since it's probably already down to 23kg now, natuarally. Need to maintain enough control.
Totally agree with the guys saying physio and form is more important, and so I am also heading back to physio and have organised serving lessons.
One very weird thing: I have GE on my LEFT elbow too !! I have a OHBH, so I thought maybe it was from when once or twice in a match I would spontaneously hit a 2 hander for enough power while defending a deep shot behind me to my left. Nope. Have it today after just practicing. Sympathetic injury ? Could there be some strain happening on serve ?
Too bad instructors aren't trained enough in physio to watch for injury-inducing play. Once a guy is out, it might be for a lifetime. Doesn't help the business...
Rob0101
New User
I hear you. I'ts not yet a black or white case for me. Still...
- I never play 2 days in a row (and cut down to 2x a week from 3x)
- Now play for 1.5 hrs instead of 2+
- Am going for some private serve lessons
- Am going back for physio
- Doing physio stretches at home every day now as opposed to only on playing days
- Will find a softer stick as soon as I can get one "connected" like my PLAY (the Yonex @ RA 68 did make a difference)
The post below is excellent! Thanks for sharing.
I am interested in what stretches and strengthing exercises you did. Can you provide some more info?
I am interested in what stretches and strengthing exercises you did. Can you provide some more info?
I really feel for you, having golfers elbow is pretty miserable. It's usually the result of an imperfect forehand and/or serve technique, often combined with not being physically toned up enough and possibly further aggravated by using harsh equipment - stiff racquets/unforgiving poly strings.
I had golfers elbow throughout the whole of 2014 and 2015, playing once/twice a week was pretty painful and often I wouldn't even bother trying to serve at all. I played through it having regular dry needling sessions which did help. The crux came when I retired in April 2016 and wanted to start playing 3-4 times a week. This was simply not possible to even hit a forehand let alone a serve. In May of 2016 I had to do something about it properly or give up playing altogether.
I spent a lot of money and went to see a sports doctor, two surgeons, 3 physiotherapists and had a number of MRI and ultrasound scans. It was 50/50 whether to go for an operation. I looked at a lot of other alternatives PRP etc. I refused to consider cortisone injections. I wanted to solve it properly not just mask over the pain with cortisone. I had to stop playing for 9 months but was lucky to meet one physiotherapist who was very frank with me and fortunately had a gym on site. She told me that I was simply not physically toned enough for the standard I was used to playing at. When I did some of the exercises with light dumb bells she said I was cheating on the way I was lifting using my elbow to perform instead of slow correct form. It was a real wake up call. Fortunately being retired I had the time and was determined to play again and even try to improve. Giving up at 56 years old would have been a personal disaster. I love playing (not competitively but drilling and having a good workout a few times a week)
So, I spent 10 months rehabbing and gradually get a bit stronger and more flexible with stretch bands, light weights. I am a real enthusiast and still get lessons. When I restarted in March 2017, I tried to change my technique, increasing the follow through on my forehand and my serve trying to avoid swatting/pushing and making both shots more fluid including after impact. I also tried to not be so open when making serve contact, especially on a first flat delivery. However this is habit formed over a couple of decades.
In order to explain the above better I attach a link to an old video I made at the end of 2015 where you can see the technical issues I am sure contributed to medial epicondylitis i.e. mid way through the video with the forehands when playing a cold wet day outside. On the serve just after 5 minutes and at the end of the video from just before 7 minutes until the end.
During the last couple of weeks on the serve, I am currently trying to stop the racquet lagging behind the toss and get both more in time together. Difficult to teach an old dog new tricks but I can feel it's more comfortable on the triceps, elbow and shoulders. If I notice anything untoward I immediately focus on it.
I kept my equipment the same. I have played with Pro Kennex racquets for 20 years and string them with a full bed of natural gut at a relatively loose 50 lbs. I use the KI5 PSE racquets and when restarting I tried an identical but 10% lighter Ki5 racquet. Ironically when restarting I actually found the lighter racquet gave more twinges than the heavier frames, consequently I am still using the KI5 PSE racquets.
When you don't play and get better you can do other things such as learn to balance better with a bosu ball on your non dominant foot, learn to juggle improving your peripheral vision etc. There are quite a few things you can do so when you return you will hopefully play even better.
As I am a senior I now try and spend a good 30 minutes warming up and warming down after playing plus going to the gym a couple of times a week with stretching and some reformer pilates on a machine as well. Unfortunately warming up and warming down does mean a 90 minute tennis session becomes a few hours commitment but I do feel a lot better for it.
Hope the above helps, be patient, nor hopefully get an operation - good luck !!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ6SqH5QLaE
HDTV 1080p Dec 2015 Bromley Indoors & Wells House
www.youtube.com
Rob0101
New User
Don't know what MC London did, but I had 4 stretches shown to me by my 1st physio (before I moved):
1. Slowly bending serving hand backwards at arm's-length (downwards) for 8 seconds a rep. for 5 min. (My new Physio, Nicholas, recommends then twisting to the outside to specifically stretch the inside of the elbow.)
2. Pushing the hand closed at arm's-length to stretch the forearm (more for the outside of the elbow)
Because he noticed shoulder issues:
3. Sitting upright, squeezing the shoulder blades together
4. With the hand raised at side, elbow bent @ 90 degrees, slowly push through a doorway keeping forearm on the doorframe
These are hard to describe without pictures, let me know is there is interest.
Now I am doing light weight in hand with arm on the table and hand over the edge, lifting up with the other hand, and then slowly letting it down, sets with back of hand facing upwards and downwards. Nick also does some deep tissue massage that hurts like hell, but definitely helps. Lastly, he is using the electrical current thru the elbow, and then massages on that inside bone with some device with a steel ball (with gel) on the end of it. He says it's just water. (don't ask me...)
1. Slowly bending serving hand backwards at arm's-length (downwards) for 8 seconds a rep. for 5 min. (My new Physio, Nicholas, recommends then twisting to the outside to specifically stretch the inside of the elbow.)
2. Pushing the hand closed at arm's-length to stretch the forearm (more for the outside of the elbow)
Because he noticed shoulder issues:
3. Sitting upright, squeezing the shoulder blades together
4. With the hand raised at side, elbow bent @ 90 degrees, slowly push through a doorway keeping forearm on the doorframe
These are hard to describe without pictures, let me know is there is interest.
Now I am doing light weight in hand with arm on the table and hand over the edge, lifting up with the other hand, and then slowly letting it down, sets with back of hand facing upwards and downwards. Nick also does some deep tissue massage that hurts like hell, but definitely helps. Lastly, he is using the electrical current thru the elbow, and then massages on that inside bone with some device with a steel ball (with gel) on the end of it. He says it's just water. (don't ask me...)
luke_1983uk
Semi-Pro
Is the Wilson Ultra Tour the 97'' with a flex rating of 63, Ive developed the horrid GE with the Pure Strike ProjectOne7 and need to try something to help
Pro Kennex Ki5 PSE - discontinued since 2016, it's a heavy frame. Similar within 3% specs of the Wilson Pro Staff RF97. I have tried the identical but (8%) lighter PK Ki (320). I was surprised, I did notice quite a difference, I prefer the heavier more powerful frame. Thankfully I have recovered from the GE I had in 2016 and first half 2017.
Grey Wolf 87
Rookie
I had a pretty bad case of GE in juniors although it doesn't sound as though it was as bad as yours. Mine was exclusively on my serve and the pain went away as I got deeper into a point. I tried all sorts of therapy (stem, acupuncture, blood spinning, rest etc.) and nothing worked. Eventually what we decided to do was record me serving and break down the technique in the most detailed way possible. What we found was that at point of contact my right arm (my hitting arm) was not fully extended at impact. This was causing unnecessary tension on my elbow and arm in general. To modify this problem, all I did was toss the ball about 1 - 2 inches higher before striking it. The turnaround was almost immediate. Within a week I was pain free and improved my technique too.
I'm not saying this approach works for everyone but give it a try. If the pain is bearable, record yourself playing and look at what your arm looks like at point of impact. While you don't want to look like a broomstick, your hitting arm should be naturally extended when stroking a ball.
I did notice some posts on here about grip tension and there is a lot of truth to that. When I was learning to play my coaches told me to pretend I was holding a tube of toothpaste and that ideally at point of impact no toothpaste should be squeezed out of the tube. If it did, you're gripping it too tight. Maybe that's a little extreme but it helps paint the picture.
Good luck in your recovery!
