|
|
Post by alanserotta on Oct 7, 2009 14:45:40 GMT -6
I am a new tennis player and have been practicing about 2 hours a day. I am getting "tennis elbow". I purchased a rubber bar to do exercises for tennis elbow. I also purchased an ice pack at the local drugstore (it has cloth around the 'ice pack').
Question: should I use the ice pack before or after I do the tennis elbow exercises with the rubber bar. Or does it matter?
Thank you
|
|
|
|
Post by rockinfire on Oct 7, 2009 14:57:44 GMT -6
My first thought is that you need to decrease your practice time or stop altogether until your pain subsides. Athletic activity should never be painful. "No pain/no gain" refers to muscle, not joint pain.
My second is that you may need to have your grip size on your racquet changed.
Thirdly, have you met with a tennis coach to instruct you in properly addressing the ball so that the head of your racquet is in proper position when it strikes the ball, decreasing the forces at the elbow?
This is not going to get better just by using the rubber bar.
There are specific interventions to be used in this diagnosis and if you ignore your pain it can worsen quickly. I have had patients present to me in therapy with their arm held stiffly to their side and can't even come close to straightening their elbow. Don't let it get that bad.
|
|
|
|
Post by alanserotta on Oct 7, 2009 20:26:32 GMT -6
Thank you for your comment.
I will ask the tennis instructor about changing the grip and also on how I am making contact with the ball.
|
|
|
|
Post by alanserotta on Oct 7, 2009 21:27:42 GMT -6
Quick question: I have seen a number of guys wearing a "strap" on their arm for tennis elbow. Do you think it is a good idea to wear one? --- I will take the suggestions that you gave me. Thanks Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by Glenn Fleisig, Ph.D. on Oct 8, 2009 7:54:32 GMT -6
Alan,
Rockinfire is exactly correct. Your question should not be what are the steps to treat for your elbow pain, but rather what are the steps to prevent elbow pain.
|
|
|
|
Post by rockinfire on Oct 8, 2009 8:57:45 GMT -6
The strap, to me, is like taping your ankle after a sprain to allow you to particpate in your chosen sport. It is fine as a "crutch" while you are trying to get healthy again, but is usually relied upon as the only "treatment" which is a bad idea.
The strap is designed to disperse the forces around the circumference of the joint and divert some of it away from the common extensor tendon.
The bar you have mentioned is to help you perform eccentric exercises for your elbow which have been noted to be effective with treating tendonitis.
With that said, it is fine to wear it if it helps you but don't rely on it as your only treatment. It should fit snugly but no so much that it impedes your circulation.
Good luck to you.
|
|
|
|
Post by alanserotta on Oct 8, 2009 13:50:07 GMT -6
Thank you both for responding to my question. It sure makes sense to try and "prevent" the tennis elbow rather than using the "rubber bar" for eccentric exercises and wearing a 'strap' and keep doing the same erroneous things.
If you guys get to Biloxi, let me know: I'd like to buy you lunch.
Alan
|
|
|
|
Post by alanserotta on Nov 12, 2009 21:11:58 GMT -6
You guys gave me excellent advice. I changed racquets --- the grip size is a better fit; I'm also conscious of hitting the ball in front (forehand) rather than letting it get behind me which put stress on my elbow --- ouch.
My tennis elbow has lessened a great deal. Thank you.
|
|
