String question of the month: Pain in the playing arm - does a new or different stringing help?

In case of pain, immediate action must be taken so that the body does not become accustomed to the pain and build up a memory.

Depending on the initial situation (is the main string a polyester string?), you should possibly consult a doctor, take a break, and immediately switch to a comfort string (e.g., GUT FEELING) that cushions the vibrations from the stroke and thus protects the arm.

Then the situation needs to be examined: exactly when did I start experiencing the pain? Did I change anything beforehand? New racket, different grip tape, new strings, different string tension, changed grip, played more often, altered my technique? Perhaps the cause can be found this way.

If no specific cause can be identified, play with a comfort string until you can play without pain, then slowly increase the intensity again.

If you remain pain-free for an extended period, you could switch back to your usual strings. Choose the lowest string tension you can control.

Should the pain return, you should seek more intensive advice, possibly adjusting the racket model in combination with the string.

We would also like to invite you to a personal consultation at www.kirschbaum-strings.de/beratung .

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Sandra Kirschbaum