What technique is good for preventing tennis elbow?

[martinrousev]

Hello,

Recently I've had a problem with tennis elbow. I've had a sore elbow from playing before but this time is serious. I want to know how I can prevent it appearing again weather through change in technique or specific workouts. Here are some facts about me:
- I play 5-6 hours a week mostly singles.
- I'm strong with well developed arm and shoulder muscles.
- I play mostly flat and my forehand is a real weapon - fast and placed. (a potential reason maybe?)
- I have a fairly fast serve. I serve with a motion similar to kick but with the racquet going more on the side rather than upwards. (another potential reason?)
- My racquet is Redondo MP with whatever my coach strings it with. Currently it is some polyester with low tension. I got this racquet specifically to prevent TE.
- I work out in the gym and I'm worried that the combination of gym training and tennis might be the source of the problem.

Currently I treat my elbow with ice and gel but it is only temporary solution. I'm taking a week off just in case. Please tell me what can I change in my technique or equipment to prevent further damage.

Thanks,
Martin

 

[zacinnc78]

make sure ur hitting he one handed backhand proper and not forcefully supinating your forearm on serve

also those Band-it braces really helped me out

 

[martinrousev]

I forgot to mention my backhand. I hit with two hands. I will check on the braces.

 

[plasma]

Sounds like your intuition telling you that the gym and tennis is hurting you might be right. Why not just play 12 hours of tennis (mmmm) a week instead of that smelly, dirty, flourescently lit gym?
Unless you are a pro athlete or an anti social psycho who works out too much replacing the gym with tennis will be more than enough weekly exercise.
Tennis Elbow is irritation, not sure if preventative measures exist to protect the body against inflamation and irritation.
I'm not a pt, just a tennis coach....

 

[hiltonhead]

TE

One exercise not available at the gym that is VERY good for tennis elbow is putting a rubber band over the outside tips of fingers (end of nails) and expanding fingers for about 100 or so reps keeping your arm STRAIGHT. Don't use too resistant a band at first and then try thicker ones as your arm strengthens. Buy a bag at Staples or somewhere so you have them all around. Good luck. (Sorry, guess there aren't any "Staples" in Bulgaria

 

[35ft6]

Flexible racket, moderate string tennis, no windshield wipe follow through, rather, a classic trophy pose over the shoulder follow through, all good for preventing tennis elbow.

 

[crystal_clear]

Take treatment first...

 

[subaru3169]

a couple guys at my tennis club told me they had it before.. they told me they've tried acupuncture and it worked if treated early enough.. i really don't know if it actually works or not