Monday, June 15, 2009

Proper Stretching To Reduce Tennis Elbow Symptoms

By Macy Toguchi

Tennis elbow is very painful, even though it does not arouse enormous sympathy. If you are the one experiencing tennis elbow, then you know how painful and debilitating it can be. It is hard to do anything, especially play the game you love.

Did you know there are some things you can do to minimize your chances of developing tennis elbow and mitigate the symptoms if you do develop it? Be proactive to prevent this condition from happening to you.

One important thing to remember is to warm up every time you play or practice. Take it easy when you warm up. Take fifteen or so soft shots. Begin to gently warm up your arm to reduce the risk of injury by shock to your joints. When you swing forehand and backhand ground strokes, set yourself by standing sideways to the net. Set your stance with your feet perpendicular to the tennis net for the most effective and efficient swing.

When you take a stroke, with the ball in front of you, it is vital to use the momentum of your body. Allow the power and speed of your body to push the ball instead of placing too much work on your arms. To make early contact with the tennis ball get your racquet back early. The more you work on your technique the better tennis game you will play. A better player, with good technique is at much less risk of injury.

Allow the tip of the racquet to lead your shoulder during a forward swing. Imagine your racquet leading so that you will not lead with your shoulder. When you make a backhand swing, imagine you are tossing a Frisbee. Imitate the motion and try to keep your body relaxed.

When game play is over your warm down is crucial. A good warm down includes proper muscle stretches. Spend time perfecting your form, even if it means meeting with a pro to evaluate your technique. It will make your game better and help prevent injury. Too many players get injured by being lazy and playing with poor form.

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