I’ve been suffering from tendonitis in both arms for about 8 months now. I was a drummer. I played vigorously every day, and I played for my church on Sundays. When I was first diagnosed, my arms were very stiff and swollen. I could barely move them, so I rested them for about 3-4 weeks and iced them every day. Eventually the stiffness and swelling went away, and the pain mostly did as well. It would twinge now and then, and I was able to play for my church again with no problems (but when I would play my normal speed they would act up). Certain activities like basketball would hurt a little too, but not so much.

I went to a doctor and he said it was classic tendonitis and there wasn’t much he could do. He gave me a few print-outs of exercises and sent me on my way.

I started the stretching portion of the exercises about two weeks ago. right around then my arms started hurting constantly, with the smallest activities. Brushing my teeth, picking up a glass of water, getting dressed, typing.. EVERYTHING hurts now. I continue with the stretching but it doesn’t seem to be helping (it seems to be making it worse, really) and it warns against continuing to the strengthening exercises until stretching is nearly painless. Ibuprofen hasn’t helped at all.

I’m wondering, how long does it normally take for these exercises to help? Should they be hurting this much worse with just stretching? Is there anything else I should do?

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I recently joined a gym and I want to learn a new sport. Years ago I was a gymnast and into martial arts but now I’m looking to get into a more traditional sport like tennis. I was thinking of signing up for private lessons at my gym but I have a few questions.

1) 7 years ago when I was a teenager I briefly tried tennis and developed what’s called "tennis elbow." It hasn’t bothered me in a long time but is there a possibility it could become aggravated again by playing? I have an elbow brace, would that help?

2) How difficult is tennis? I’m in shape and naturally athletic, but it seems like tennis requires more of a technique?

3) How many lessons does it usually take to play decently? I’m not in any rush, just curious as to how most people progress. I assume it’s based on how much you practice?

4) Do you always have to practice (outside a lesson) with another player? Are their skills you can practice alone?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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