I think my tennis days are over...

[Stradivarius]

So, after just 4 years playing I am battling against sore shoulder, sore elbow...
Been a sports guy from my teens, practiced athetism, soccer, squash, gym, running, but tennis just seems to hurt more than benefit my body.
Tried different rackets, tensions, strings and this sensation in the arm I got a year ago is not cool at all.

 

[BenC]

have you tried working with a coach to see if there's anything off with your form? certain technique (not saying "bad") can stress some ares more than others and there might be ways to adjust (for a pro example, see Mannarino or Madison Brengle and Alison Riske shoulders effect on their serves)

 

[Stradivarius]

Hi BenC, yes, worked with different coaches to improve technique, I am pretty flexible, and at 50 try to don't overdo any effort.
Tried light vs heavy frames, play vs syn gut.
Right now I am starting to play a doubles tournament with a new team, so this pain is a nuissance... happy with the new team, stronger players than me.

 

[WildVolley]

What sort of rehab work do you do for your shoulder and elbow? About a decade ago, I had severe shoulder pain which made it unpleasant to play tennis. I found that hanging from a bar and doing shoulder exercises eventually allowed me to play again without pain.

I think most people find that they have to do exercises and stretching as they get older to play without pain. I stretch my shoulder (dead hang) almost every day for at least two minutes. I do throwers 10 style exercises with a band about once a week. I use a therabar for twist exercises at least twice a week to avoid tennis elbow. It's a bit of a hassle, but it is worth it to be able to play relatively pain free.

 

[vokazu]

Use heavy racquet and soft or loose string tension.

 

[EggSalad]

I don’t know how old you are but if you want to keep playing, I’d recommend a daily regimen of foam rolling and stretching. I’m 45 and spend at least 30 minutes every day doing stretching, foam rolling, core strengthening, etc…. I also try to eat healthy and limit alcohol. It’s a daily process to keep my body in the condition that I can still play at a relatively high level.

 

[onehandbh]

Hi BenC, yes, worked with different coaches to improve technique, I am pretty flexible, and at 50 try to don't overdo any effort.
Tried light vs heavy frames, play vs syn gut.
Right now I am starting to play a doubles tournament with a new team, so this pain is a nuissance... happy with the new team, stronger players than me.

How often do you play? Hit serves?

I took a few years break from tennis and when I came back I learned the hard way that I had to ease back into it. Ramp up the frequency and intensity slowly. Allow time for recovery and your joints/tendons/ligaments to adapt.

 

[Stradivarius]

I play 3 times a week. Days off I do strechings, resistance band, rope jumping, callistenics.
Yesterday I used my son's PS97L to play a tournament match just to feel if a lighter racket might help (mine is a 330 gr Ultra)

 

[Jst21121]

Play doubles instead?

There’s a reason why usta focuses more on doubles. Singles at 35+ is incredibly hard on the body.

Since playing singles 35, I’ve had bouts of tennis elbow/golfer elbow and a wierd crick in my knee.

Either that or I’m just falling apart.

I’ve taken the leap into doubles because of this.

 

[Move]

I don’t know how old you are but if you want to keep playing, I’d recommend a daily regimen of foam rolling and stretching. I’m 45 and spend at least 30 minutes every day doing stretching, foam rolling, core strengthening, etc…. I also try to eat healthy and limit alcohol. It’s a daily process to keep my body in the condition that I can still play at a relatively high level.

This

How often do you play? Hit serves?

I took a few years break from tennis and when I came back I learned the hard way that I had to ease back into it. Ramp up the frequency and intensity slowly. Allow time for recovery and your joints/tendons/ligaments to adapt.

And This

 

[LuckyR]

So, after just 4 years playing I am battling against sore shoulder, sore elbow...
Been a sports guy from my teens, practiced athetism, soccer, squash, gym, running, but tennis just seems to hurt more than benefit my body.
Tried different rackets, tensions, strings and this sensation in the arm I got a year ago is not cool at all.

See a professional and get a diagnosis. Then you'll have a treatment plan to get back on the court.

 

[MayorGorman]

OP. I know you said you worked with a pro to help with technique. Have you tried working with a different pro to get a second opinion? Personally I worked with a guy who was a solid 4.0 came to me said he wanted to learn how to play lefthanded because he loved the game and didnt want to lose it. He had worked with two professionals to help and they didnt change much in his form and he gave up. We tore his swing down from his normal right handed side and built it back up, and it took 7 months but we got him back to his same level and now he plays injury free. Sometimes pros dont want to change strokes because they arent good enough to identify the issue or are afraid to make a guy worse by almost starting over. Posting because if you are medically fine there is still hope if youre willing to rebuild. Best of luck

 

[Stradivarius]

Thanks guys for all the feedback.

 

[Pitti]

I'd try to rest first and get away from tennis for a while until the pain is gone before taking it up again. I'm in my 30s and I had a sore shoulder after a tournament in which I did good and had to play more matches than I thought in few days. I decided to rest until the soreness and mild pain were gone, and it took a month and a half to recover. But I did the right thing: had I kept my weekly tennis schedule, I'd become injured.

And after that, I think you should look for flexible rackets and full beds of syn gut or multifilament, avoiding poly at all costs. Also, look for rackets that are not excessively heavy.

I currently play with the ProStaff 315 gr., and it's not the most flexible frame out there. I get some soreness out of it. It's also on the upper limit of what I can swing. I'm not a very strong guy, and I know I'll need to switch to a different frame as I get older. I also own an Ultra Tour and that's a very flexible frame, which is easier on the arm. The Ultra Tour is very, very low powered.

If you like Wilson, maybe you could try the Clash. I haven't, but I've heard good things about how comfortable and good for the arm it is.


Technique matters, of course. And footwork. On days my usually lazy footwork is off, I end up "arming" the ball, I play worse tennis and end up with soreness or pain in the arm. On days I focus on moving my feet and keeping my body low, I play better tennis, get easier power and end with no pain.

 

[Stradivarius]

I did stop playing when the pain started and didn't got better.
Funny story since you mention de PS97.
I used to play with the PS97L when all started, switched to the Ultra 100 thinking might be the racket. SWITCHED BACK to the PS97L a few days ago, shoulder pain is gone, just some mild sore in the elbow... so go figure.
Maybe the Ultra wasn't the racket I needed and I was fine with the PS97L (a racket I adore by the way)
PS97L strung with tour bite @48lbs
Ultra 100 strung with Babolat SG @52

 

[Stradivarius]

I'd try to rest first and get away from tennis for a while until the pain is gone before taking it up again. I'm in my 30s and I had a sore shoulder after a tournament in which I did good and had to play more matches than I thought in few days. I decided to rest until the soreness and mild pain were gone, and it took a month and a half to recover. But I did the right thing: had I kept my weekly tennis schedule, I'd become injured.

And after that, I think you should look for flexible rackets and full beds of syn gut or multifilament, avoiding poly at all costs. Also, look for rackets that are not excessively heavy.

I currently play with the ProStaff 315 gr., and it's not the most flexible frame out there. I get some soreness out of it. It's also on the upper limit of what I can swing. I'm not a very strong guy, and I know I'll need to switch to a different frame as I get older. I also own an Ultra Tour and that's a very flexible frame, which is easier on the arm. The Ultra Tour is very, very low powered.

If you like Wilson, maybe you could try the Clash. I haven't, but I've heard good things about how comfortable and good for the arm it is.


Technique matters, of course. And footwork. On days my usually lazy footwork is off, I end up "arming" the ball, I play worse tennis and end up with soreness or pain in the arm. On days I focus on moving my feet and keeping my body low, I play better tennis, get easier power and end with no pain.

And yes, I agree with you technique is the safer way to go... hitting the ball in a wrong way enlaces the impact on the arm

 

[Stradivarius]

Considered for a while going to 2HBH but relearning was an up hill struggle. Decided to focus on improving 1HBH technique.

 

[ey039524]

Considered for a while going to 2HBH but relearning was an up hill struggle. Decided to focus on improving 1HBH technique.

I'm switching to a 2hbh just to be safe (elbow). It's not easy bc the timing and spacing is so different.

Big advantage on returns, though. And spreading the impact over two arms vs one.

 

[Pitti]

I did stop playing when the pain started and didn't got better.
Funny story since you mention de PS97.
I used to play with the PS97L when all started, switched to the Ultra 100 thinking might be the racket. SWITCHED BACK to the PS97L a few days ago, shoulder pain is gone, just some mild sore in the elbow... so go figure.
Maybe the Ultra wasn't the racket I needed and I was fine with the PS97L (a racket I adore by the way)
PS97L strung with tour bite @48lbs
Ultra 100 strung with Babolat SG @52

The Ultra 100 has a stiffness rating of 70. That's stiff and won't help healing any pain you have in your joints. The PS97L still has a 68 stiffness rating, which is quite stiff. Mind you: the Ultra Tour (or Ultra Pro as it's called now) has nothing to do with the rest of the Ultra line. It's not stiff at all. It's a completely different kind of racket that I don't really know why is included in that line of rackets.

IMO, you need a frame that is softer on the arm, at least while you keep getting soreness and pain, because otherwise, you'll keep making your injury worse. That's why I suggested the Clash line, which is specifically designed for being comfortable. The Clash 98 for example has a stiffness of 60, which will be way better for your joints. The Clash 100L is very soft at just 55. You want to look at these kind of frames. ProKennex is also a brand that makes soft frames, but I have never tried a single one.

As for strings, my joints never accepted polys. Never. Not even when I was 17 and participating in the high-school tennis tournaments of my region. I've been playing with full syn gut beds ever since, and it's great. Poly strings will kill the arms of many players, and I'm one of them. And reading your post, I think you may also be in that club.

Related to stiffness, the stiffer the frame, the more power it gives. So you need to string in higher tension to get control. If you gravitate towards softer frames, you'll also be able to string in lower tension, resulting in a more comfortable stringbed with a more comfortable racket. Both things are advantages in your case.

And I think all of that, combined with good technique, will probably extend your playing days and let you enjoy this sport... injury free!

Edit: Given your username, if by any chance you also play the violin, you already know that having good technique on the violin is essential to avoid unnecessary tension and to avoid injuries that can become quite serious. Tennis is the same.

 

[Stradivarius]

Yes, I've been a profesional orchestra musician for 30 years, technique and proper equipment for the given concert is a must, but relaxation is a golden number in the equation.
Interesting to note is that playing tennis and performing a instrument at a high level are mentally similar.

 

[Pitti]

Right! Relaxation is essential. In tennis you don't get power without relaxation. Just look at the professionals.

I completely agree with your last sentence. Tennis and instruments require the same kind of concentration.

On a side note, it's great to find someone online who enjoys tennis and music. They're my two main hobbies. I decided not to follow that route because I had different plans, but I could have become a professional piano player. Today I enjoy amateur playing. Music helps forgetting problems. Tennis helps too, but in a more aggressive way!

Having said that, I hope you find the best solution for your arm issues and you can keep enjoying tennis.

 

[tennis3]

Yes, I've been a profesional orchestra musician for 30 years,

Do you know of any videos, books, etc that does music analysis on the basis of Musical Form (and key area)? Something that will help me as an audience member follow the piece being performed, be an active listener, and stay engaged for the entire piece?

The video below is an example of what I'm looking for.

 

[Stradivarius]

I'd try to rest first and get away from tennis for a while until the pain is gone before taking it up again. I'm in my 30s and I had a sore shoulder after a tournament in which I did good and had to play more matches than I thought in few days. I decided to rest until the soreness and mild pain were gone, and it took a month and a half to recover. But I did the right thing: had I kept my weekly tennis schedule, I'd become injured.

And after that, I think you should look for flexible rackets and full beds of syn gut or multifilament, avoiding poly at all costs. Also, look for rackets that are not excessively heavy.

I currently play with the ProStaff 315 gr., and it's not the most flexible frame out there. I get some soreness out of it. It's also on the upper limit of what I can swing. I'm not a very strong guy, and I know I'll need to switch to a different frame as I get older. I also own an Ultra Tour and that's a very flexible frame, which is easier on the arm. The Ultra Tour is very, very low powered.

If you like Wilson, maybe you could try the Clash. I haven't, but I've heard good things about how comfortable and good for the arm it is.


Technique matters, of course. And footwork. On days my usually lazy footwork is off, I end up "arming" the ball, I play worse tennis and end up with soreness or pain in the arm. On days I focus on moving my feet and keeping my body low, I play better tennis, get easier power and end with

Yes, footwork.
So far re strung the Ultra @ 45 lbs. Shoulder feels better, elbow still needs time.

 

[Rosstour]

Yes, footwork.
So far re strung the Ultra @ 45 lbs. Shoulder feels better, elbow still needs time.

Dude if you are in any kind of arm pain, the Ultra is not the way. I feel like this is common knowledge, no?

And string lower

 

[Stradivarius]

Do you know of any videos, books, etc that does music analysis on the basis of Musical Form (and key area)? Something that will help me as an audience member follow the piece being performed, be an active listener, and stay engaged for the entire piece?

The video below is an example of what I'm looking for.

Couldn't recommend any but that you tube video seems a good starting point in case there are more works covered.
I find useful listening to one composers main works as a way to get into his or her musical style. Some pieces I listen several times to get it organized in my head.
But performer and listener are different things and I avoid getting over analytical, somehow gets me away from playing business!

 

[Stradivarius]

Dude if you are in any kind of arm pain, the Ultra is not the way. I feel like this is common knowledge, no?

And string lower

Lower than 45?

 

[Rosstour]

Lower than 45?

Yeah, if you're using poly

My arm is F'd from years of "playing it into shape" and not doing enough cross training. So I have had to find comfy options. Settled on Clash 98 v1, strung with red Volkl Cyclone Tour at 40lb...it's definitely a bit "pray and spray" but my ball really jumps and my arm doesn't hurt (much) even when I swing hard on the serve.

Just thinking of an Ultra at 45lb makes me want to go to the freezer and get my ice sleeve!

 

[tennis3]

Couldn't recommend any but that you tube video seems a good starting point in case there are more works covered.
I find useful listening to one composers main works as a way to get into his or her musical style. Some pieces I listen several times to get it organized in my head.
But performer and listener are different things and I avoid getting over analytical, somehow gets me away from playing business!

He covers several pieces. He's always adding more. He does it in a way that is actually useful. If it is a Sonata Form movement for example, he'll guide you through Theme 1, Bridge, Theme 2, Cadence, Development, Recap and Coda. So you can really follow along and know exactly where you are in a piece as you listen. He also tells you what Key is being played, which is obviously useful for pieces where Key area is a big part of the "story being told".

Most "musical analysis" isn't like this. It's a hodge podge of nebulous comments that aren't at all helpful (it often sounds like the author is just trying to be pretentious, which is pretty common when people talk about music for some reason). There's also usually some history and "gossip" tossed in as well. Again, not helpful in the least if your aim is to follow a piece.

I always wonder why someone hasn't done what the guy in the video has done for every (major) piece in the repertoire. To me, people would be much more interested in listening to "Classical Music" if they knew what was going on. Something like the Dvorak video above could be made available to every Orchestra in the world. Anyone that wished could access the video to prepare themselves to listen to a performance. I could even see the video being used as a SuperScript above the Orchestra, so the audience could follow along. Know when Theme 1 was being played. Know when it was in the Development Section (what Theme was being Developed and how it was being Developed).

To me, that would be very useful. Otherwise, I have to create my own notes when I "go to the Symphony". I always have season tickets, so I spend a fair amount of time "charting" the pieces that will be performed. I wish there was just something available for all of them (like this Dvorak).

 

[Stradivarius]

He covers several pieces. He's always adding more. He does it in a way that is actually useful. If it is a Sonata Form movement for example, he'll guide you through Theme 1, Bridge, Theme 2, Cadence, Development, Recap and Coda. So you can really follow along and know exactly where you are in a piece as you listen. He also tells you what Key is being played, which is obviously useful for pieces where Key area is a big part of the "story being told".

Most "musical analysis" isn't like this. It's a hodge podge of nebulous comments that aren't at all helpful (it often sounds like the author is just trying to be pretentious, which is pretty common when people talk about music for some reason). There's also usually some history and "gossip" tossed in as well. Again, not helpful in the least if your aim is to follow a piece.

I always wonder why someone hasn't done what the guy in the video has done for every (major) piece in the repertoire. To me, people would be much more interested in listening to "Classical Music" if they knew what was going on. Something like the Dvorak video above could be made available to every Orchestra in the world. Anyone that wished could access the video to prepare themselves to listen to a performance. I could even see the video being used as a SuperScript above the Orchestra, so the audience could follow along. Know when Theme 1 was being played. Know when it was in the Development Section (what Theme was being Developed and how it was being Developed).

To me, that would be very useful. Otherwise, I have to create my own notes when I "go to the Symphony". I always have season tickets, so I spend a fair amount of time "charting" the pieces that will be performed. I wish there was just something available for all of them (like this Dvorak).

We are completely out of topic, but, don't forget orchestras worldwide are going thru hard financial times and all you mention costs money to be produced. On the other hand classical music is ultra conservative and pretty much attached to conventions that come from back ago. I guess some people just want to sit an listen without the information you suggest, for some that's a more than enough experience to enjoy.
Remember, there are people in the hall who is going to listen for the first time pieces written 200 years ago! Nothing wrong with that! having myself performed Beethoven 5th symphony for the 100th time I wish I could have that first time feeling again!

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Still playing squash? If so, does it appear to impact your shoulder and elbow? If squash doesn’t bother your shoulder, it is most likely the tennis serve and overhead that are the culprits.

 

[silentkman]

We are completely out of topic, but, don't forget orchestras worldwide are going thru hard financial times and all you mention costs money to be produced. On the other hand classical music is ultra conservative and pretty much attached to conventions that come from back ago. I guess some people just want to sit an listen without the information you suggest, for some that's a more than enough experience to enjoy.
Remember, there are people in the hall who is going to listen for the first time pieces written 200 years ago! Nothing wrong with that! having myself performed Beethoven 5th symphony for the 100th time I wish I could have that first time feeling again!

this article won a Pulitzer.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/pearls-before-breakfast-can-one-of-the-nations-great-musicians-cut-through-the-fog-of-a-dc-rush-hour-lets-find-out/2014/09/23/8a6d46da-4331-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html

 

[Stradivarius]

Still playing squash? If so, does it appear to impact your shoulder and elbow? If squash doesn’t bother your shoulder, it is most likely the tennis serve and overhead that are the culprits.

No more squash, quit playing some years ago, too intense.

 

[Jono123]

1. Get a heavier frame 330+
2. Use a Multi
3. String at about 50
4. Improve your technique
5. Play dubs.

 

[Stradivarius]

1. Get a heavier frame 330+
2. Use a Multi
3. String at about 50
4. Improve your technique
5. Play dubs.

So, my frames, strung, leather grip, dampener weight 335 and 339 gr.
Using poly @45 bs, natural gut feels great but after a few games it was destroyed.
I am taking lessons, to improve technique. So far I feel that OHBH, hitting sessions if done too often and overhitting foreands leads to arm pain for my case.
So I started playing less singles, more doubles and hitting at 70% all shots, except serves.
Shoulder is not giving me problems, seem to be way better, elbow needs more time maybe.

 

[Jono123]

Glad to hear. Also consider wearing an elbow band, they really help.

Another aid is wrapping more grip as its stops you gripping too tightly.

 

[ey039524]

So, my frames, strung, leather grip, dampener weight 335 and 339 gr.
Using poly @45 bs, natural gut feels great but after a few games it was destroyed.
I am taking lessons, to improve technique. So far I feel that OHBH, hitting sessions if done too often and overhitting foreands leads to arm pain for my case.
So I started playing less singles, more doubles and hitting at 70% all shots, except serves.
Shoulder is not giving me problems, seem to be way better, elbow needs more time maybe.

Try babolat elastocrosses in your gut. Not only extends the life, but promotes string snapback.

 

[georgeyew]

So, my frames, strung, leather grip, dampener weight 335 and 339 gr.
Using poly @45 bs, natural gut feels great but after a few games it was destroyed.
I am taking lessons, to improve technique. So far I feel that OHBH, hitting sessions if done too often and overhitting foreands leads to arm pain for my case.
So I started playing less singles, more doubles and hitting at 70% all shots, except serves.
Shoulder is not giving me problems, seem to be way better, elbow needs more time maybe.

Have you tried any of the Prokennex Kinetic racquet? They work wonders for a lot of people in helping reduce pain. If you have not, it would be worth a shot to demo one.

 

[Denzell]

After 55yr mostly usta norcal doubles 3times wk..singles non league after 60yrs but with gym free weights 6days a wk with some teaching youth..can’t just tennis to stay fit..try looking into gelatine therapy..thanku good luck

 

[Move]

What sort of rehab work do you do for your shoulder and elbow? About a decade ago, I had severe shoulder pain which made it unpleasant to play tennis. I found that hanging from a bar and doing shoulder exercises eventually allowed me to play again without pain.

I think most people find that they have to do exercises and stretching as they get older to play without pain. I stretch my shoulder (dead hang) almost every day for at least two minutes. I do throwers 10 style exercises with a band about once a week. I use a therabar for twist exercises at least twice a week to avoid tennis elbow. It's a bit of a hassle, but it is worth it to be able to play relatively pain free.

This so much ... as you get older you should treat doing excercises the same as tooth brushing. Make it a habit, ingrained in your daily routine. And the Theraband is great advice. Also do not forget strenghtening / stretching your fingers and hand as well, important for musicians as well

 

[nyta2]

stronger players than me.

maybe technique is breaking down slightly when playing against folks who hit a bit harder/heavier?
arm/shoulder/hand/wrist injuries for me, have always been technique issues (or overuse - eg. lifting then playing)...
softer frames/racquets have always been a bandaid to the real underlying issues i've had...
lower tension has helped because it allows me to take a shorter backswing = cleaner more consistent technique (eg. absorb and resend incoming pace ala mannarino)

 

[ichaseballs]

this is why pickleball is big

 

[Stradivarius]

Update
Started hitting 2hbh and pain is gone.
I noticed shoulder and elbow pain gets worst after hard flat serves. If I do slice serve arm is great but... doubles partner complains...

 

[Bisquick]

this is why pickleball is big

PB with the wrong ball - Franklin x40 - for me anyways causes issues with my arm. Too much shock from them durable balls. Diadem or the old Duras are nice.

 

[Bisquick]

Update
Started hitting 2hbh and pain is gone.
I noticed shoulder and elbow pain gets worst after hard flat serves. If I do slice serve arm is great but... doubles partner complains...

Stick with it - spin that serve in.

 

[Stradivarius]

Stick with it - spin that serve in.

Stick with slice and kick serve?
I really like that serves but are lacking acceleration and consistency.

 

[Bisquick]

Stick with slice and kick serve?
I really like that serves but are lacking acceleration and consistency.

Yes - if the flat serve is hurting you - just stay away from it for now.

 

[slipgrip93]

I don't know if you've tried this yet? Regular weight (machines) room for toning the arms, shoulders, and upper body muscles.
Also collagen supplements such as this one: ("move free"). I'd found it helped me recover quicker from tennis elbow
or whatever ligament or joint pains by just a pill or two in a a few days (of course, it can vary by individual).

Yes, I've been a profesional orchestra musician for 30 years, technique and proper equipment for the given concert is a must, but relaxation is a golden number in the equation.
Interesting to note is that playing tennis and performing a instrument at a high level are mentally similar.

Pretty amazing. I didn't make it past high school orchestra (violin about 5 years since middle school), and probably too finger dyslexic, with bad tonal hearing and judgement, to ever make it into good 5th position and beyond form, always missing the tones.
I also did more piano for years ('gave up' on tennis at 10yr old then did the hours on piano during my school years, then back to tennis years later), took some college sessions.
But I'm nowhere talented I realized at the end many years later. With tennis, It helps me with the exercise as I dislike or am too bored of typical cardio,
but I'm not naturally talented as well. I do like practicing tennis in "drill" like fashion similar to the past violin and piano, where getting to some performance I would agree can be somewhat 'mentally similar' to playing
a classical musical instrument, but I guess my fingers' calluses and cartilage has built up too much in my right hand now to be too stiff for piano anymore i.e. two of my fingers is always slight "stuck" joint, stiffer,
and grip worn from tennis (using a 13+ oz wilson kps88) and my hands were always small for the weight room (I probably have to start using protective gloves).

 

[_Jaq]

So, after just 4 years playing I am battling against sore shoulder, sore elbow...
Been a sports guy from my teens, practiced athetism, soccer, squash, gym, running, but tennis just seems to hurt more than benefit my body.
Tried different rackets, tensions, strings and this sensation in the arm I got a year ago is not cool at all.

Sounds like you’ve played a lot of sports over the years and now you feel tennis specifically is too rough on your body. I’m going to go on a limb and say it’s the 50 yo body that’s the issue lol. I just made a thread about my humbling experiencing trying to get back into shape in my 50’s vs when I did it in my 40’s. I’m certain that no matter what sporting activity I tried at this point, my body would revolt and it’s not specific to tennis. With that said, it sounds like you have some common overuse injuries and have been given some good advice. I had wicked tennis elbow after a few years when I was playing regularly. I tried everything (strings are far far more important than racquet in my personal experience) but nothing worked for me until I went with a full bed of multis (Wilson NXT) strung at a low tension (I think I started at 45, which isn’t the same as polys at 45, not even close). Heck, it’s expensive but I hear a full bed of natural gut is the best cure. It went away almost immediately, and I had already gone from a full bed of polys to a hybrid with no significant improvement. I was able to increase the tension of the NXT pretty quickly all the way up to high 60’s to improve control on aggressive baseline shots, and the elbow never bothered me again, knock on wood. I’ve talked several friends into reluctantly trying it and it worked for them too. I’m convinced that using polys over a certain age is a guaranteed recipe for arm issues, regardless of the tension. I find it strange that most people feel like their game will fall apart without poly and would almost rather quit than switch. It’s also my understanding that the typical 50 yo club player doesn’t generate enough racquet head speed to even really benefit from harsh polys anyway. I will admit balls can fly a little long until you adapt, but found that my volleys got way better because the softer strings pocket the ball and you can actually “feel” it happening on volleys, or at least I believe so. Good luck and hope you don’t have to fully quit until you lose the desire, rather than an overuse injury convincing you to walk away.

 

[Stradivarius]

I don't know if you've tried this yet? Regular weight (machines) room for toning the arms, shoulders, and upper body muscles.
Also collagen supplements such as this one: ("move free"). I'd found it helped me recover quicker from tennis elbow
or whatever ligament or joint pains by just a pill or two in a a few days (of course, it can vary by individual).



Pretty amazing. I didn't make it past high school orchestra (violin about 5 years since middle school), and probably too finger dyslexic, with bad tonal hearing and judgement, to ever make it into good 5th position and beyond form, always missing the tones.
I also did more piano for years ('gave up' on tennis at 10yr old then did the hours on piano during my school years, then back to tennis years later), took some college sessions.
But I'm nowhere talented I realized at the end many years later. With tennis, It helps me with the exercise as I dislike or am too bored of typical cardio,
but I'm not naturally talented as well. I do like practicing tennis in "drill" like fashion similar to the past violin and piano, where getting to some performance I would agree can be somewhat 'mentally similar' to playing
a classical musical instrument, but I guess my fingers' calluses and cartilage has built up too much in my right hand now to be too stiff for piano anymore i.e. two of my fingers is always slight "stuck" joint, stiffer,
and grip worn from tennis (using a 13+ oz wilson kps88) and my hands were always small for the weight room (I probably have to start using protective gloves).

Classical music is a tricky business, lots of practice and a strong concentration is needed to perform it.

 

[Stradivarius]

Sounds like you’ve played a lot of sports over the years and now you feel tennis specifically is too rough on your body. I’m going to go on a limb and say it’s the 50 yo body that’s the issue lol. I just made a thread about my humbling experiencing trying to get back into shape in my 50’s vs when I did it in my 40’s. I’m certain that no matter what sporting activity I tried at this point, my body would revolt and it’s not specific to tennis. With that said, it sounds like you have some common overuse injuries and have been given some good advice. I had wicked tennis elbow after a few years when I was playing regularly. I tried everything (strings are far far more important than racquet in my personal experience) but nothing worked for me until I went with a full bed of multis (Wilson NXT) strung at a low tension (I think I started at 45, which isn’t the same as polys at 45, not even close). Heck, it’s expensive but I hear a full bed of natural gut is the best cure. It went away almost immediately, and I had already gone from a full bed of polys to a hybrid with no significant improvement. I was able to increase the tension of the NXT pretty quickly all the way up to high 60’s to improve control on aggressive baseline shots, and the elbow never bothered me again, knock on wood. I’ve talked several friends into reluctantly trying it and it worked for them too. I’m convinced that using polys over a certain age is a guaranteed recipe for arm issues, regardless of the tension. I find it strange that most people feel like their game will fall apart without poly and would almost rather quit than switch. It’s also my understanding that the typical 50 yo club player doesn’t generate enough racquet head speed to even really benefit from harsh polys anyway. I will admit balls can fly a little long until you adapt, but found that my volleys got way better because the softer strings pocket the ball and you can actually “feel” it happening on volleys, or at least I believe so. Good luck and hope you don’t have to fully quit until you lose the desire, rather than an overuse injury convincing you to walk away.

Take the chance to answer.
Yes, I am getting old. Gone are better days.
Still, arm got much better, still playing the Ultra stringed @45 lbs. No more flat serves and got myself to hit 2HBHs.