Sympathy Corner. "It'll be okay, I can play through the pain"

[Dimo]

Re Rachel Walters elbow pain - I had exactly the same problem you describe and various treatments made no difference. XRays and scans couldn't pinpoint the exact cause. I then visited Don Gather (in Aylesbury, ex England rugby team physio) who used acupuncture and within 3 days the pain had completely gone and it hasn't been a problem for 6 years. Rather than suffering by trying to adapt your play maybe a look at acupuncture would be worthwhile for you too.

[Wally]

Thankyou all for your suggestions. I already possess a tennis elbow support which does help though the pain is predominately cause by others problems, mainly to do with the trapped nerve, relating to the problems with my upper back.
I no i cant get accupuncture for the elbow because the problem is too close to a bone and i was informed that it wouldn't be pssible or effective due to this point.

One thing i'm going to try is once the season's finished (12th April thankfully), is rest it for about a month, atleast not put it through any serious workouts, and then see what happens. One thing i will however do is reseek treatment before the start of next season so i don't have to play through another year with it all.

Thanks once again for help, fingers crossed that something will work.!!

[Michael Banks]

Does anyone have any special hints and tips for warming up elbows, shoulders, ankles?

Is it just a case of gentle exercising before you go on court or do things like warm compresses help?

[rachyuk]

I usually do sets of rotations for shoulders, elbows and ankles and stretch out the legs - pivoting the knee gently. Then I just run through a few 'shadow shots' with the racket in hand and and skip around a bit.

The last tournament I played in, I skipped around changing direction etc for about 20 mins and it was brilliant! I was warm, heart rate was up slightly and I felt 'on my toes'....had to do it in the ladies changing area though bause I felt a bit of an idiot!

Also, I tend to play the first few rallies with my sweater on and then remove it, as having had a shoulder injury years ago, it is always the first thing to ache after a hard game. Wearing a sweater during the first few points helps.

[Justcoll]

For all the injured people, and especially poor Richard who is in need of loads of TLC it seems, I have plaster and magic kisses. Seriously though, I hope you all get over the injuries which are plaguing you. The physios and doctors are always correct in saying that rest after an injury is the best way to ensure it heals properly. One young woman at our club was a superb player, with colours for badminton and potential to become a Springbok ... she since injured her knee on court and, after five operations, has now been told she will never play again, if she wants to avoid ending up in a wheelchair. Carmel, you'll remember Tarryn Hardman, daughter of Clive! Well, her badminton days are over, sad to say.

[CocaSimon]

It seems to me all of you use this thread to moan!
I have had an injury so bad in result i had to go to hospital and be treated!
I was in so much pain i am now over that injury as the splinter was removed from my toe!! owchhhhh how that hurt but the nurses were ever so fit!

[Alex]

Coco, Ann, Jason???

You have the nerve to say i should be banned??

Case rested!

[Gerald]

My most recent injury (3 nights ago) was the 'normal' twisting of the ankle. BUT this happens to be a very embarrassing injury as I was playing mens doubles and in the 4th set after a very long and tough rally, I was going to the net to retrieve the shuttle when I decided to turn and congratulate my partner for his part in winning the rally. The next thing I know, I am on the floor clutching my ankle and in all the pain that goes with a strained ankle (very embarrassing). Needless to say, I am recoverying from the injury quite well but I do not know how long my fellow players will keep on reminding me about my 'fall'. Hope all you injured players recover soon so that you can get back to the sport that we all love to play. Cheers from RSA.