I suffer from shoulder-impingement and hope to see a doctor soon for diagnosis and potential tips. When I was in Taiwan, a Chinese doctor used his elbow on a groove in my back that brought a sharp pain. Afterwards, the shoulder did feel better. Unfortunately since I'm on my own I can't massage that area. KT tape helps and acts like a brace but it's a complex taping (3 pc, need to be flexible) so I don't use it every time. It's important not to try to generate power from the shoulder. After a smash, the racket should go downwards and across the body, not straight down. Improper technique and trying to "hit it harder" will only worsen the shoulder. My racket technique is good but my footwork lacking, so when I fail to properly get behind the shuttle I use too much arm - that causes shoulder pain. --- Marketing Specialist at Zco Corporation | Custom Mobile App Developer
I have a query that I would like people’s opinion on. Perhaps this post should be in ‘string’ section. Anyway….. I haverecently bought a pair of new rackets, the Carlton Vapour Trail Elite. Both rackets are strung in my usual tension of 25lbs. I have only played with them a few times and I really like them but I am concerned that I am developing a sore shoulder. Despite playing well with them I am convinced their ‘stiffness’ is the reason I am experiencing this pain. I once developed asimilar pain with an equally stiff racket (Ashaway XT900) some time last year.The pain eventually disappeared when I switched to a much softer shaft. My question is, would lowering the tension of my strings from 25lbs to say 22 or 23lbs help with this pain? I usually play with 25 and have had never experienced a problem before, but 25lbs on the Carltons appears to be too much for me. I’ve also switched from the BG80 to the BG65ti. allyjack
^^ Yes, for sure lowering string tension would help to mitigate shaft stiffness. This would prevent you from forcing the shot with too much shoulder action to generate power. Since we're discussing strings, you should try zm62 at 21-22 lbs. Incredible power and great touch.
Yes it will. I was using a MX80 @ 30lbs and my shoulder was really hurting. I reduced the tension to 28lbs and now the pain has gone. I guess this comes down to what you prefer playing with. A stiff/flexible shaft, string and tension dilemma. Also why did you buy rackets that were stiff when the last stiff racket hurt your shoulder?
Whilst my previous rackets (Ashaway XT900) were hurting my shoulder I was still playing very well with them. Also, I find that a softer shaft racket often 'robs' me of power. The pain I am experiencing at the moment is not overbearing anyway. Next time I get them restrung I will merely request a lower tension, around 22 or 23lbs. The Vapour Trail Elites are super rackets. @ Visor. whilst I really like Ashaway rackets I am not entirely keen on their strings, excepts for MicroLegend XL. I do not think they offer anything over and above Yonex strings. I do like the NBG98. That and BG80 are my favourites.
Requesting a lower tension next time my rackets need re-strung seems the most sensible option. The BG-65ti, which I am currently using is quite a hard feeling string. I wonder if switching to a 'softer' feeling string would help?
Hi Visor, i am having this shoulder injury since 10 days ago. May i know when can i start doing the rehab exercise? Thanks a million.....
First make sure you tried those tests on first page to make sure it's impingement we're dealing with. Then you can start doing any of those stretching or strengthening exercises anytime, as long as it's slow and controlled and not painful to do. This is very important as you don't want to aggravate the injury further. Icing 10 mins every hour is excellent if there's any pain.
I must say, no matter what the urge, do NOT play badminton and heal up first! It has been a year since I got my impingement and I am almost healed. However, I could have healed much sooner had I not played intermittently and aggravated the injury. Learn from me, don't play. Heal!
^ Yes, very good advice. Definitely must avoid anything that aggravates it. Fortunately for us these days there are lots of badminton videos on youtube to alleviate the withdrawal phase.
Been Taking NARCOX, a natural anti-inflammatory product from Belgium. Pain subsided a lot since taking the product. Fully recommended!!!!
As well as lowering the string tension, would switching from a 'hard' feeling string such as BG80 to a softer feeling string i.e. NBG 95 or BG65 make a difference?
I'd think so. With more shuttle contact time on the stringbed, less speed and power input is required.
Hi Visor, Share... About 2 months back, I similarly went for my "Cha Siew" and felt a sharp click inside my shoulder and immediately clutched in pain. I toyed with the pain for 2-3 weeks brooding myself as I came to terms with my age. I did not go for any "Teet Tah" help. My thoughts were simply to allow my shoulder a good rest. When I resumed my games again, the pain gradually reduced but came back during each work out. Now I can only exert 70% smash and felt my performance deteriorated as my partner had to cover me more now. I swore my son sniggers more nowadays. I still experienced slight discomfort after my games but my game can never be the same again.
[MENTION=101520]gunner93[/MENTION] If you're still having pain, make sure you get checked by a doctor or sports physio. Meanwhile do some of the tests, stretching and strengthening exercises I posted on the first 2 pages. You have to be proactive with this injury. Don't just rest it. You'll need icing and treatment. My shoulder still clicks, but I can now smash hard. Also helps that I've switched to less head heavy and less stiff rackets.
I have similiar problem too. May be due to overused rotator cuff. However, I do feel certain muscle in my shoulder is not on par with the rest (not as strong). This may cause some imbalance in my shoulder (I believe). I'm trying to build up my trapezius muscle to strenghten my shoulder blade. Have been doing chinup and pushup but it caused some pain in my shoulder joint. I switched to using elastic or Resistance Band. So far, it has been working fine. I can feel that my shoulder is stronger than before. I get shoulder muscle soreness rather than joint pain. Hope this helps. If in pain, please consult a doctor.
Just caught the pain a couple days back. The next morning, it was quite unbearable. Arm movement is limited. Am wondering how long is the recovery period?