Tennis elbow can be difficult to treat, which is why prevention is usually the best strategy. One of the best ways to prevent tennis elbow is to ensure that the forearm, hand, and wrist muscles are strong enough to help reduce straining the elbow. Using proper equipment is another method for preventing elbow tendinitis, as using a racket that is the wrong size or weight can cause injury. Of course, form plays a large role in preventing any sports injury, which is why lessons in the correct hitting technique may be necessary.
There are various exercises that help reduce strain on the elbow since they strengthen the forearm, hands, and wrist muscles. Light weights can be used in this endeavor, as wrist extensions and curls are often good ways to start strengthening the wrist. Putting a rubber band around the fingers and then stretching them out can also help prevent tennis elbow, as can putting a tennis ball in the palm of the hand and squeezing it repeatedly. General stretching before playing tennis can also help prevent tennis elbow since it will ensure that the muscles are properly warmed up.
Using a racket that is too heavy, light, large, or small can make a big impact on whether one gets tennis elbow. Players should consult with their coach to make sure that the racket they have chosen is the proper size and weight for them. The grip should also be checked, since one that is too small or large can strain the forearms. Even checking the string tension in the racket can make a big difference, as strings that are too tight can contribute to tennis elbow. On the other hand, while looser strings can help prevent tennis elbow, they can also lessen the amount of control over the ball, which makes it important to consult a professional regarding equipment.
Some people exhibit poor form during tennis, which makes tennis elbow likely to occur. Even someone with the best equipment can develop this medical issue if their strokes are not proper form, as poor strokes can strain the elbow. For example, the whole arm should be swung during each stroke, not just the wrist. Also, the upper arm muscles should be used during twisting or lifting the racket instead of the muscles in the forearm. Not only can lessons regarding the correct hitting technique help prevent tennis elbow, but it can also improve the tennis player’s overall game play.