If you're experiencing arm pain due to improper technique, consult your tennis pro to address the issue. However, if you suspect your racket might be the culprit, follow these steps to find relief.
Quick Tips:
Restring More Frequently: Aim to restring your racket more often (preferably every 30 days)
Looser Tension: String your racket as loosely as possible while maintaining normal shot production.
Softer Strings: Opt for softer strings. Natural gut and multifilament strings offer the best shock absorption.
Arm-Friendly Racket: Choose a flexible, arm-friendly racket.
Flexible Frame: Select a more flexible racket with the largest head size that's comfortable.
Heavier Racket: Use the heaviest racket you can comfortably swing.
Head-Heavy Balance: Opt for a racket with a head-heavy balance.
Open String Pattern: Choose a racket with an open string pattern.
Grip Size: Use the largest grip size you can comfortably hold. If unsure, select the larger size.
Replace Grips Regularly: Change your grip every time you restring, even if using an overgrip.
Understanding Arm-Friendly Rackets
Arm-friendly rackets are characterized by their flexibility, measured by an RA rating. Lower RA ratings (low 60s and below) indicate more flexibility, providing greater comfort. Choosing the right weight and specifications for your racket is crucial to prevent injuries. The Racket Doctor demo program allows you to test drive different rackets to find the best one for your tennis elbow and playing style.
Your choice of string and tension is also important. Avoid firm strings like polyester at high tensions, as they can contribute to tennis elbow.
Rackets that RD Recommends:
Dunlop CX 400 Tour
Head (Gravity, Boom MP, Speed Pro)
Volkl C10 Pro
Wilson Clash (100 v2, 108 v2)
Yonex (EZONE 100, Percept 97H)
Contrary to popular belief, a heavier racket can help reduce arm pain by absorbing shock and resisting torque better than a lighter racket. However, only use the heaviest racket you can comfortably swing. Consult Racket Doctor’s Master Racket Technicians (MRTs) for personalized advice.
Ideal Racket Characteristics
Head-Heavy Balance: A racket with a head-heavy balance has more weight towards the top of the racket, providing greater mass to absorb shock.
Larger Head Size: Larger heads offer a bigger sweet spot and lower torque, reducing the strain on your arm.
Open String Pattern: An open string pattern (e.g., 16x18, 16x19) provides a more cushioned feel, as it flexes more on impact, dissipating shock better.
Best Strings for Comfort
If you experience pain while playing, opt for softer strings. Manufacturers produce flexible multifilament strings that absorb impact shock better. Here are some recommended options:
Babolat Xcel
Head Velocity MLT
Tecnifibre NRG2
Volkl Power Fiber Pro 16
Wilson NXT
Natural gut strings offer the best shock absorption due to their inherent flexibility. Although more expensive, they provide unmatched power and comfort. Consider the following natural gut strings:
Babolat Touch VS
Wilson Natural Gut
Restringing Frequency
Even if your strings aren't broken, they may lose resilience over time, causing your body to work harder and increasing the risk of injury. Restring your racket at minimum every 30 days (or at least within 60-90 days until the pain subsides), to maintain optimal performance and reduce strain on your arm.
Stringing Tension
Strings strung too tightly will not absorb impact shock effectively. String at the lower end of the manufacturer’s recommended tension range to lessen the stress on your body. Lower tension allows strings to "pocket" the ball, absorbing shock and vibration better.
Check Your Grip
Using the correct grip size is essential. A grip that's too small can force you to squeeze the handle harder, straining your forearm muscles. Have a Master Racket Technician (MRT) at Racket Doctor verify your grip size, and if you're between sizes, choose the larger one. Replace your grip regularly to maintain the correct size and ensure comfort.
In Conclusion
Dealing with tennis elbow is all about minimizing shock to the arm. By selecting the right equipment and maintaining it properly, you can significantly reduce the strain on your arm and enjoy playing tennis pain-free. Focus on using a racket with the appropriate weight and balance, choosing softer strings, and keeping your grip in optimal condition to help prevent discomfort.For personalized advice, consult our experts at Racket Doctor and take advantage of the RD demo program to find the perfect racket and strings for your needs.