"What to do about Tennis Elbow"

by Jamie Selman

Here are some tips about what to do about tennis elbow.

To alleviate a temporarily sore shoulder, elbow or wrist, a player can modify their racquet to absorb vibration. Try the following:

• String towards the lower end of the recommended tension range for your racquet. A looser string face will absorb more of the ball's impact. A looser face will also add depth to shots without a full-powered swing.

   

• Try a thicker string.

   

• Try adding lead tape to increase the racquet's overall mass. Adding weight will help reduce the amount of shock transmitted to the arm and hand.

   

• Check with your pro to see that your grip size is correct for your hand. It may be necessary to increase or decrease the handle size. Correct grip size can be an important factor in eliminating tennis elbow.

   

• Vibration dampeners generally have no effect on amount of vibration to your elbow. All they really do is make the racquet sound and feel different.

The following additional comment was contributed by reader Karl Spaelti in November 1998: If you frequently work with a computer you should use the mouse with the hand you are NOT playing tennis with (i.e. a right hander should "mouse" around using his or her LEFT hand).

From flexibility to fitness, tennis is the game of a lifetime!

Get the most health benefit from tennis - regular play builds fitness, flexibility, and endurance, plus enhancing mood and social well-being.

How many calories does a typical game of tennis burn?

A vigorous singles tennis match burns up to about 500 calories an hour if you weigh 140 pounds and up to 700 calories per hour if you weigh 190 pounds. An hour of doubles play requires less darting around, and so burns about 381 calories if you weigh 140 pounds or about 530 calories if you weigh 190 pounds.

Strengthen and tone with swings and serves

Although its aerobic benefits are limited, tennis builds nearly every muscle group, particularly legs and arms. It also increases flexibility because so many moves in tennis, especially the serve, employ your body's full range of motion.

Tennis is a year-round sport, and a great family sport; youth racquets are available for children as young as 3.

Tennis is a social game; there is plenty of time for fun, and to chat between games and sets. If you have a competitive spirit, you can join a tennis league. Leagues are organized so you will play opponents of a similar skill level to yours.

Because you get lots of opportunities to whack the ball, tennis is also a great way to let off steam

Court fitness with the following tips:

• Warm up by hitting the ball in a relaxed manner with a partner or jogging around the court until you begin to perspire.

• Spend 5 or 10 minutes gently stretching warmed-up muscles.

• Cross-train for tennis with regular aerobic workouts, such as swimming, cycling, walking or jogging, three to four times a week.

• Keep your court free of stray tennis balls and other gear, all of which can precipitate twisted ankles and falls.

• Make sure your racquet "fits" you, in terms of grip circumference, balance and weight.

• Wear supportive athletic shoes specifically designed for tennis; some players wear two pairs of socks for added padding and protection.