Pickleball Elbow Nightmare, How I Overcame My Stupidity & the Tennis Elbow Fix That Keeps Me Playing
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- What started as some mild pain in my forearm would go on to force me to learn to play left-handed or sit out for 7 months. I was a victim of my own stupidity and stubbornness because I refused to give my body time to heal.
Let me tell you my story about:
* How pickleball elbow started
* The serious mistakes I made pertaining to tendonitis
* Why I finally gave in and sought help
* How many things I tried to overcome tennis elbow that didn't work
* The tennis elbow fix that finally ended my elbow pain
* Why I have learned my lesson
Please don't do what I did and try to play through it.
If you have questions about pickleball elbow, ask me in the comments section.
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Follow me on Facebook at / livethepickleballlife for more great pickleball info!
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Shot mechanics are the key difference maker between consistent shots and inconsistent shots. Good mechanics will prevent chronic pain. Unfortunately, the pickleball world is full of people that want to tell other people what to do. Videos can be just as bad with content creators not understanding mechanics. And it can be very difficult to determine who to believe or what videos to believe. Pickleball still has a lot of maturing to do on the coaching / advice side.
I've heard that grip pressure is key to avoiding arm and shoulder injuries. On a scale of 1-10, our grip pressure should be somewhere between 3-5. I am certain mine is tighter and that has caused my tennis elbow!
Grip pressure can definitely be an issue. I trained myself overtime to consciously relax my grip in between shots.
That way, even if the adrenaline starts pumping during a hand battle, I get some relief in between.
Another big issue is playing with a paddle that has a grip that is either too small or too thick for your hand.
I was hitting my backhand the same as you and ended up with tendonitis in the very back of my elbow and all the way up the back of my arm. I thought it was the paddle weight I was using (I had just started to use a slightly heavier paddle at the same time). Like you I also started playing lefty and I did the same thing to the other side too... but once I started having pain I quit right away (unlike trying to play through the pain like I did on the right side).
Form is king. While I was out injured I spent a lot of time watching tennis videos. The grips, the swings, etc. I didn't think it made that much of a difference in Pickleball since the ball and the paddles are so light but it really does! A lot of Pickleball players don't have any sort of racquet experience (I don't), so we just start swinging away with terrible form! I think you can get away with it at first when you are still learning but once you start to get better that's when it will punish you.
Good idea about the tennis videos.
Any particular tennis video that you thought was helpful?
@@denisem6130 I really like the 'Essential Tennis' and 'Carlbo Tennis' channels. Both of them have multiple videos on one handed and two handed backhands plus the forehand and all the other shots in tennis. ruclips.net/video/0idJgRaCZBQ/видео.html&pp=iAQB
and ruclips.net/video/9yLEpcsu3vE/видео.html are just two playlist examples. Each channel has tons and tons more.
If you are having issues with injury right now another thing I found that really helped me was playing around with the grip size of my paddle. Building my grip up larger helped me, may not work for you. I found once I built it up I can hold the paddle very loose in my hand and use my larger body parts on the swing.
Karon, such a neat and fresh prospective beyond the millions of pb videos on techniques or equipment.
Thanks! I thought there were plenty of those already ;) Want to bring something useful from a different angle.
You could have done this video in 5 minutes. But thanks.
The average patient with chronic TE has a long list of tried but failed interventions. I actually felt validation knowing we have travelled a similar path in trying treatments that didn't work out. Also it's helpful to know perhaps the treatments that may be less likely to work for chronic TE.
It’s not your RUclips channel and it’s not up to you to judge what info she wants to cover🙄
Jim, you have serious issues. Instead of being appreciative that someone devoted their time and effort to share their story about a problem that afflicts so many people, you had to make a snide comment. Tell you what, why don’t you make a video about the subject, if you know how, and let us be judge.
I agree with the OP, though more tact was likely in order.
So many vids these days have gotten needlessly long, and supposedly it’s because the algorithm and revenue system were changed to reward it. Most everything can be improved by brevity. It’s rare creations and talents that are not.
My goodness, sounds so much like my experience, all the other pickleball pains as well.
Your haircut is so cute.
Thank you 😃
Yes! I currently have the same issue. Pain in my forearm is just starting, its low level but real and just starting to affect my wrist, no elbow pain--I am off the court (and stopping weight lifting too) until I can twist lids and grip without pain. I was drilling backhand drives and volleys like a fiend when I noticed this....patience is needed (and a sleeve).
So sorry to hear that! You are very smart to cut it off before it gets worse.
My favorite compression sleeve is here ------> ruclips.net/video/NRF8AqFnOIM/видео.html I never hit the court without it.
My favorite paddle is here ----> ruclips.net/video/QwpnruaduEQ/видео.html Since I started playing with this, I don't even have to ice my arm after I play. My forearm is a little bit achy afterward (pretty sure I have a minor tear that won't heal without surgery, but I'm not willing to do that). But it's all better in an hour or two.
Hang in there and pay attention to how tight you're holding your grip ;)
Make sure your 'form' is correct, grip, etc. I injured by elbow drilling backhand drives and my wrist was in front of the paddle instead of behind the paddle. Search tennis eastern backhand grip. You may want to abandon a backhand drive and learn how to slice the ball on the backhand side. You don't see very many pro players drive on their backhand side (unless they are using two hands). Usually they run around and hit a forehand or they are using slice. The slice is so much easier on your arm.
@@Squaredot01 thanks!!
Thanks. Hope you are doing better now.
I currently am suffering from Pickleball elbow. Use my left hand now to get shaving cream. I have a bone that is actually sticking out near my elbow. My elbow pain was caused by the way I hit my backhand smash. It’s very powerful, people can’t believe how fast the ball comes back, but I’m not using proper form mechanics. It’s been about three weeks since I’ve played Pickle Ball, and I’m not sure I’m going to be able to play again. Total rest means not using the computer, and that’s something I’m just not going to quit doing. I have Kaiser and I’ll see if they have that cold laser therapy that you talked about.
I am so sorry to hear that. You have my complete sympathy. Been there done that.
There are ways to adjust what you are doing on the computer and other daily activities. I have a video about that ruclips.net/video/JY9X3qL_5oM/видео.htmlsi=KWPTqRlxekxpk-tZ
Like I mentioned in one video, it took me nine months but I was able to return to play with my right arm as usual. However, I do wear a compression sleeve as a preventative measure. ruclips.net/video/NRF8AqFnOIM/видео.htmlsi=7OeYZ7lsOwXVNt4s
Hang in there. It may take a while.
@@livethepickleballlife Thank you. I watched your other video and purchased the mouse.
So glad I found your video. I too just started playing with my left hand. Sports orthopedic doctor diagnosed it is a rotator cuff issue. It got better with PT but now I’m starting to feel the same pain that you are. Would love to talk to you about it.
I am not a medical professional. I'm just an ordinary pickleball player. I have never experienced rotator cuff issues but I wish you the best with your healing.
Hi had the same experience. I used my left arm for about 2 mos. while resting my right arm because of tennis elbow. I was same way. Didn't want to quit.
Hardcore to the end!
I have a professional light therapy machine…not a professional myself though. There are different colors red, blue or green. Which worked for you?
Not a light therapy machine. A cold laser (sometimes call Low Level Light Therapy). You can find home versions online but they have such low power that I doubt they would do much. Mine was through a chiropractor's office.
Thank you for this. The closest I’ve come to Pickleball is watching tennis. However I have tennis elbow and it’s been 10 months. Physio and massage hasn’t been helpful. Acupuncture has helped a little bit. My question is: did you ever try shockwave therapy? I’ve had one session so far. Thank you for describing cold laser therapy . That will be my next therapy should shockwave not work.
I am so sorry! I completely understand what you’re going through. I never did shockwave. The cold laser (which is also called low level light therapy… LLLT) did take some time. I think I did a total of maybe 15 treatments. But it sure did clear it up and I have not had any problems afterwards.
Outstanding Karon! Enjoyed the content and info. Lets play pickleball....
Thank you, Melvin! See you on the court!
Awesome playing left handed. True Grit
LOL! you gotta do what you gotta do!
I appreciate all of your insight! I was stubborn too and now I am just laying off pickle ball and trying my left arm. I was wondering what was your experience changing to playing with your left arm? Did you get good at it? How long did it take to learn to play with your left arm? Was it still fun? Thank you!
Good for you! It is extremely hard to stop playing a sport that you love so much.
My experience was wild! My brain and my left arm did not get along well when I first started playing left-handed. Lol
My brain would tell my arm to hit it one place and it would go the total opposite place. I would get some friends to go on a separate court and drill with me for even a minute or two in between their games.
I eventually did get pretty good at it. Nowhere close to where I was right handed, but at least people were willing to play with me again!
I would guess it took me three or four months to get decent left handed. It was not fun in the beginning. It was very frustrating to be honest. But it did become fun as I got better.
Not as fun as right handed, but it kept me on the court, and I was still smiling and having a blast.
And now I’m a switch hitter so I can catch wide balls that I might miss with my right backhand with my left FOREhand now which is pretty cool. Same thing with shots down the middle that would previously have been just out of reach. So there are benefits.
Hi Karen, thanks so much for this! I've just started developing upper arm and forearm pain in the last few month or so I'm laying off PB for a while until it heals. I will definitely be wearing a compression sleeve when I do start again along with playing a much softer game especially with my backhand. Do you have any recommendations for preventitive exercises as well as videos to watch that show how to play and not get injured? Thanks again!
Hi Jeff. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
This video is good for exercises. Especially the one that starts at 2:25. I do this (with the small weight) every single day.) ruclips.net/video/8ZTXWe81k8E/видео.htmlsi=dPH2cLtJrR0ZNayf
I don't have any specific videos about proper form. At our tennis/pickleball center we have two certified coaches. I took some lessons with them and we worked on form.
I also will share this video of mine that gives you a few things to look out for in your daily life that might aggravate your tennis elbow… And how to compensate for that.
ruclips.net/video/JY9X3qL_5oM/видео.htmlsi=NVLHUjrdBoDwu7hS
Feel better soon!
@@livethepickleballlife thanks for this!
@@livethepickleballlife again thanks for your advice. I also started having shoulder pain for about a month before my arm pain and my corrective exercise therapist thinks I was over using my arm to protect my shoulder. I’m doing exercises to get my shoulder more mobile and less stiff. I haven’t played in two weeks and my forearm is SO much better. Gonna lay off for at least two weeks more and get a better paddle for vibration absorption. I really want to play but no way in hell am I going to hurt myself again. Thanks again.
Hi Karen… great to hear your story. I got tendon issues from trying out a new, longer, heavier paddle for a few days in a row. Before that I played three times a week with a Z5 paddle and had no issues. As soon as I started feeling pain, I stopped playing, and have not gone back to it since. I still have issues in both the upper and lower tendons, four weeks later, but they are not extreme. I started doing some twists with a Theraband Flexbar, but may have added that in too early, and have backed off again. I do stretches and massage, but I am unsure at what point to stop the full rest and start the exercises again. I have not seen a medical professional, but the laser sounds very promising, and it would interest me in getting help with that. Can you provide a little more information about exactly what laser you’re recommending? I would really appreciate it, as I would like to nip this in the bud. We are building 2 courts here on our farm, and they will be ready at the end of May. I want to make sure that I’ll be able to play full-on at that point. thanks again! Krista.
I am so sorry that happened to you. You are very smart to stop playing for now.
I am happy to give you some suggestions based on my own experience. Please remember that I have absolutely no medical training whatsoever and this is just me sharing what worked for me.
If you are not already using ice I would add that to your routine. when my arm was hurting in the beginning I would put ice on it for 15 to 20 minutes at the time, twice a day.
For me, I did not start playing again until my arm was almost pain-free. And then I did it only when I wore support.
What worked in my situation was this compression sleeve ruclips.net/video/NRF8AqFnOIM/видео.htmlsi=daam6Nh_ojqdHa_V
As for the laser, I found it at a local Chiropractic/PT Center near my home. They administered the treatments twice a week. The low level lasers that are available for home use are just not strong enough to do much good.
I would look for someone in your area who has a class 4 low level light laser. If you can find it at a physical therapy center your insurance may pay for it. If it comes from a chiropractor (even if it's exactly the same laser) your insurance may not pay for it.
I hope you're feeling better and get back on the courts soon!
Sorry for your injury. Currently in the same boat searching for inspiration on the internet and ran across your video. My injury was exacerbated after getting a ball machine…trying to improve my third shot drops. Now playing left handed as well (9months late) 😭 what strength laser did you find best?
Sorry to hear that. The laser at this physical therapy center was 25 W. Things you can look at to help relieve pain now and prevent future injury include:
Getting a vibration- dampening paddle. This one is very good ruclips.net/video/QwpnruaduEQ/видео.htmlsi=Q4DqEYq8D8t8AkAn
Taking care of your arm off court ruclips.net/video/JY9X3qL_5oM/видео.htmlsi=vLO_G1xIimVQEX1V
Playing with a compression sleeve once you get back to using your right arm ruclips.net/video/NRF8AqFnOIM/видео.htmlsi=HUYF1a7G0lkNWMyr
You may also need to consider adding an overgrip so you don't have to squeeze so hard on the handle.
Good luck with your recovery!
Hey Karon. I am in the same boat. I now have numbness and tingling in my fingers and hand while I'm playing. Went to orthopedist, they did nothing. I'm currently trying acupuncture but it's really not working, BUT I'm still playing... Dumb, I know. I'm going to see if I can find the laser therapy you discussed and I need to stop playing.... I am going to attempt to play left handed as well. I have tried it a few times and I think I can survive it and allow myself to still play with non-bangers. I have been able to hit when I use the two-handed approach. Just having my right hand as a support for my left hand has helped. My question here is just having my right hand as support and not cranking it around like I do when I play right-handed should be ok, right???
I am so sorry! You have my sympathy. I know what you're going through. Based on my experience, here's what I'd suggest.
In addition to looking for low level light (LLL) therapy (also called cold laser therapy), ice your arm. I am not a doctor, so I'm ***NOT*** giving medical advice, but I'll tell you what I did.
I put ice on twice a day for about 1 hour each time. I left it on until the ice pack felt almost room temperature. That's extreme and only you can decide whether you want to go that far or not. But 10 minutes here or there didn't work for me.
EVERY time I played, I'd put ice on it immediately after I got out of the shower. (That was 1 of the 2 times.)
After my arm was healed, I would still ice it for 10 minutes after I played.
If you are not already playing with a vibration-dampening paddle, I strongly suggest you get one. If you like a control paddle, I highly recommend the Engage Poach Infinity paddle. It's what I play with and love. My review is here--- ruclips.net/video/QwpnruaduEQ/видео.html
Almost all of the paddle manufacturers now offer a 30-day trial period. You can order and play with the paddles and see how that works. You return the ones you do not want for a refund. Most will pay shipping both ways for you.
Buying a paddle is a very personal choice and just because I love one of them, doesn't mean that you will also like it. Although most of the people I have recommended this paddle to have liked it a lot.
I would wait until your arm is at least feeling a good bit better before you start trying out paddles. If your arm is in a lot of pain none of the paddles are going to feel good.
I also used a compression sleeve. For me those thing, velcro tendonitis braces didn't do anything. Here's the compressions sleeve I wear still to this day (as a preventative now). --- ruclips.net/video/NRF8AqFnOIM/видео.html
If you don't correct the underlying problem that caused the tendinitis to start with, as soon as you get it fixed, it will come back. And you definitely don't want that! Using the right equipment will help you continue to play pain free after you are healed.
As for doing two handed, I tried that, and for me I ended up using my right arm too much.
I finally realized that it was going to have to be totally left handed or I was going to have to stay out until my arm felt 90% better. I know. No fun!
Also, I recently become an Engage ambassador. I cannot share this publicly, but I do have some additional savings for you. If you will send me a message through Facebook Messenger (to Karon Thackston) www.messenger.com/ I can get it to you.
Karon: Great video! I have been playing and drilling a ton, and now have the beginnings of this problem. I am going to take about a month off for it to settle down. Did you find any online resources that were helpful about proper mechanics and technique to prevent this? Before I start playing again, I want to fix my mechanics to prevent or minimize this problem.
You are very smart! Stopping play is the hardest thing and the best thing you can do.
If I were you, I would search RUclips for something like “how to hit a pickleball backhand” or whatever it is you need information on. If you have a local pro or coach you could also schedule one lesson where he or she could go over proper mechanics with you.
It's mostly caused from not hitting with a straight arm.
I have a compression sleeve. Guess I need to continue to use it. After feeling better it started to come back. :(
Red light therapy has been helpful. I have a panel at home.
I tried that but it did not work for me.
Can you give me the exact strength of the cold therapy laser that helped you please?7/6/2023@@livethepickleballlife
Common panels have 660nm LEDs (red light) for skin therapy near the surface of the skin. My understanding is for ligaments, 808/810 nm laser diodes (not visible to the human eye) are more effective, partly because they'll penetrate deeper past the skin to stimulate the cells in your ligaments.
Swing from your shoulder not from elbow or wrist.
Right.
Interesting and helpful story. In the beginning of playing pickleball I was having quite a bit of soreness in my right shoulder which is my paddle arm. Plus on top of that if I played too long both of my knees would bark at me. Fortunately, Advil Liqui gels helped me with all that inflammation. I hear there could be some issue with long term use of ibuprofen but so far it hasnt seem to bother me. With the Advil I haven't even needed to ice my joints.
Oh no!