What is tennis elbow?
Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury of the muscles and tendons of the elbow and forearm. The condition is caused by repetitive motions, such as those used in tennis, and can cause pain in the elbow and forearm. Tennis elbow can be a frustrating injury, as it can take months to heal and can be difficult to manage.
What is string tension?
String tension is the amount of force applied to the strings of a tennis racquet. It is measured in pounds and ranges from around 40 to 70 pounds. Different tensions can affect the performance of a racquet, as well as the risk of injury.
How does string tension affect tennis elbow?
The string tension of a racquet affects the way it performs and the risk of injury. Generally, the higher the string tension, the more control and power a player can have and the lower the risk of injury. However, a higher string tension can also increase the risk of injury, particularly with regards to tennis elbow.
A lower string tension can reduce the risk of injury, as the strings will be more elastic and less likely to cause stress on the elbow and forearm. However, a lower string tension can also reduce the power and control a player has.
What string tension is best for tennis elbow?
When it comes to string tension and tennis elbow, the best option is to find a string tension that works for the individual player. Generally, a string tension of between 45 and 55 pounds is recommended for those looking to reduce their risk of tennis elbow.
Benefits of a lower string tension:
- More elastic strings, reducing the risk of injury.
- Reduced impact on the elbow and forearm.
- More power and spin available.
Drawbacks of a lower string tension:
- Reduced control and accuracy.
- More vibration, which can cause discomfort.
- More likely to break strings.
Tips for reducing tennis elbow risk
In addition to choosing a string tension that works for the individual player, there are a few other tips for reducing the risk of tennis elbow:
- Warm up and stretch: Before playing, make sure to warm up and stretch the muscles and tendons in the elbow and forearm. This will help to reduce the risk of injury.
- Use proper technique: Using proper technique can help to reduce the risk of injury. Make sure to use the correct grip, motion and follow-through when playing.
- Take a break: If you are feeling pain or discomfort in your elbow or forearm, take a break and rest for a few days. This will help to reduce the risk of injury.
- See a doctor: If the pain persists, see a doctor for a professional assessment and treatment.
String tension and other racquet factors
String tension is just one factor that can affect the performance of a racquet and the risk of injury. Other factors include the size and weight of the racquet, the type of strings used, and the grip size.
Racquet size and weight:
The size and weight of a racquet can affect the power and control a player has. Generally, a lighter racquet will provide more control, while a heavier racquet will provide more power. A larger head size can also provide more power, while a smaller head size can provide more control and spin.
Type of strings:
The type of strings used can also affect the power and control of a racquet, as well as the risk of injury. Generally, natural gut strings provide the most power and control, while synthetic strings provide less power and control but are less likely to cause injury.
Grip size:
The grip size of a racquet can affect the power and control, as well as the risk of injury. A larger grip size will provide more power and control, while a smaller grip size will provide more control and spin.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow is a common overuse injury, and the string tension of a racquet can affect the risk of injury. Generally, a string tension of between 45 and 55 pounds is recommended for those looking to reduce their risk of tennis elbow. In addition to string tension, other factors such as the size and weight of the racquet, the type of strings used and the grip size can affect the performance of a racquet and the risk of injury.
Finding the right string tension, as well as the right racquet size, weight, strings and grip size for the individual player, can help to reduce the risk of tennis elbow and improve performance.