One Potential Solution
Mar 24 '00
Let’s start out with what doesn’t work: vibration dampeners are not going to prevent tennis elbow. They are small pieces of rubber or plastic that are quite light in comparison with the weight of the racquet and strings. These dampeners are put on the lower strings and may change the way the racquet feels in your hand, but cannot really affect the shock that is transmitted though your arm. Also, the move towards ultra-light weight racquets may not be wise. The sub 10 oz. racquets could be aggravating the problem as the lack of mass can cause increased twisting and vibration.
So what’s to do? Let’s start by looking at the problem itself: tennis elbow comes in two forms (also called medial or lateral epicondylitis) and can be difficult to accurately diagnose and cure. A trip to your physician and a referral to a physical therapist may be in order if the case has progressed to the point of being debilitating (if you’re not enjoying tennis anymore because of it- that certainly meets my definition of debilitating). Next there are several conventional steps to take that merit some consideration:
Certainly, use of proper form when hitting groundstrokes, returns and serves is critical in addressing the cause. Maybe it’s time to have a qualified teaching pro evaluate your form and tweak your backhand. Next, let’s look at equipment: racquets which offer a softer flex and are strung at the lower end of the recommended stringing range will also aid in the relief of tennis elbow. Natural gut strings are another possible step as they have such great elasticity that the impact is greatly reduced. Finally, look for racquets with advanced technological features, such as the Pro Kennex Kinetic series, which use small bits of shot that are encased in the frame to reduce inertia and vibration.
But, I titled this “One Potential Solution”, so I better get on with it! Last year, my doubles partner (who is also a physician) suggested that I try a supplement called Glucosamine to treat my intermittently aching elbow. He said that the clinical information that he had reviewed indicated that 1500 mg./day was fully absorbed by the body and used to rebuild connective tissue and the joints themselves. Now, I’m a hardcore USTA tournament and league player and I was skeptical over any product that you can’t get from a healthy diet. Still, because I believed my friend, I gave it a shot and must admit that it has been a marvelous solution! I’ve used the stuff over the past year and it has not only made my elbow feel better, but my knees no longer ache after that long three-setter. Just don’t overpay for the stuff- called Glucosamine Sulfate Complex-, which I get at Sam’s Club in a bottle of 120 tabs (500 mg. tablets) for about eight bucks. Just take three tablets a day and you should began to feel some results in a few weeks. Glucosamine doesn’t appear to have any side effects and is classified as a ‘dietary supplement’, but you may want to check with your physician or pharmacist for any drug interactions. Finally, my friend mentioned that the Glucosamine had a cumulative effect and that I would benefit the longer I used it. While I can’t guarantee that this single solution will work for everybody as well as it has for me, this appears to be the real deal!
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Epinions.com ID:
dkmura
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Member: David Muramoto
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 33 members
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