Does this happen to anyone else?

Yes, absolutely. Whenever i experiment with higher string tension, my arm gets stiff the next day.

this happens because your arm muscles have to adjust to the different string tension. Most likely, you will want to use the same stroke, power, etc, because you're use to it. But with a different string tension, using the same things will cause a decrease in accuracy, therefore u will adjust arm muscles.

 

I think there is no simple answer because it depends.

It depends on the degree of change of racket and string.

If the substitute racket is alot different from your 1st racket, then u might try to compensate by changing your swing.

If the substitute racket is unchange but was strung at different tension, then u might have to change your racket speed.

IMO, racket change has a larger effect on your arm than from different tension from the same racket. Different stiffness and balance can change your swing dynamic. Lower tension might just give u less control but shouldnt affect your arm, if any. Since u said whether higher or lower tension, u experience discomfort. I think this says it isnt really due to string tension. If ur comfortable with high tension before, going lower tension on the same racket shouldnt hurt your arm. Of course if your going large +/- lbs change, then tension might compound the change of racket effect.

 

You may have an injury. Do you have access to a physical trainer who can check your problem areas (e.g., shoulder, elbow, back) out?

 

May i know what string you use? i've experienced muscle aches with some strings and almost everytime i have my racquet restrung - i read somewhere that the shock of the contact between shuttle and racquet is largely altered with the string you use. Furthermore, newly strung racquets definitely bounce shuttles off with more shock no matter what the tension - something to do with the stretching.

 

very strong string. too stiff for me though - right after getting it strung it took me one whole game to get used to the vibrations it sent across my arm. being a pianist i've kinda got sensitive wrists. i just go with 'control' strings like the very breakable bg85. lol. mayb you could try changing the string you normally use - in my case, it helped a lot. this is just my experience though.

 

It depends on where the pain is: in the muscle or in the joint.

Higher tension string takes greater muscle strength to play with. If you get muscle pain immediately then you muscle is getting more of a workout than previously. If you get pain when you go lower in tension, that seems to indicate the pain isn't in the muscle.

 

Hmm, sounds rather serious. If I were a doctor, I'd proscribe plenty of rest and daily gentle exercise for 3 months, and a weekly 1 hour shoulder massage by a pretty nurse. If that won't cure it, I don't know what will

 

if its really a big problem then i would go and see a sports physio... there are some that specialise in badminton

 

That's the reason, u need to stay with the same stringer, who u trust the most.

 

what racket are u using

 

at700 and carbonex 8100 - it's worse for the 8100 right after stringing coz its not a Ti racquet. the 'shock' wears off after a few sets though. for me, bg85 is 'wrist friendly' - my piano professor would go nuts if he heard otherwise. hahaha even badminton itself is supposed to be a big NO NO for pianists. for others it may not make much difference but i guess pianists feel it more coz we're taught to feel even a slight vibration in the piano keys after you strike them.

 

i'm ok i have just had all my rackets restrung with bg85 so i'll be alright will tell you if i ever have the same problem