The former world number four has only played 14 matches in the past 12 months, largely because of the bruised humerus which he has tried to overcome by resting for long periods.
“It’s hard to tell when you can push [and] when not to push,” Draper said at Wimbledon.
“At the end of the day I’m playing a very aggressive sport, that you need to play through some stuff. Sometimes it’s too much. Sometimes it’s not.
“I wouldn’t be competing anywhere if there was a chance that I’m going to get a lot worse, for instance.”
Draper’s initial comeback earlier this season was derailed by tendinitis in his knee and the three-time ATP Tour winner had not played for more than two months before his return at Eastbourne in June.
Reaching the semi-finals came at a price, though, with his arm injury flaring up again at Wimbledon and leaving Draper “devastated” at having to pull out of his home Grand Slam.
Draper, who is now ranked 147th in the world, has not played a major since the US Open in August.
If he is fit enough to play at Flushing Meadows this year, he will have to come through qualifying – or be given a wildcard – to play in the main draw.
In Washington, Draper will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald.
