I was taught the continental on a wooden racquet as a kid. I had stayed with it because I was told one can play all strokes with it effectively. Many contend that the continental forehand triggers tennis elbow. One coach suggested I consider shifting to the eastern for forehands, but it felt uncomfortable, so I gave up without giving it a chance. OW suggests not making a major grip change as one could "lose your game" by doing so, but he does recommend subtle adjustments. So, I decided to shift to the eastern on my forehand and adjust my backhand (1 and 2-handed) by letting the racket rotate in my right palm a bit. I have retained the continental for my serve and for volleys. What an improvement! Much more topspin on the forehand and backhand, and no pain in my elbow. As Southerngirl said, proper technique combined with the continental for effective volleys is the key, I think. Here is a good link with photos and descriptions of the different grips:
http://www.tennisserver.com/turbo/turbo_97_10.html
Although it seemed intimidating at first, adjusting grips was not actually that difficult. Give yourself plenty of practice time to get the feel of it before taking it into a match, then you won't be reluctant to make the adjustment. I also tried going more extreme to the semi western, but that proved too advanced for now. With the serve the pros use the continental, correct? I believe what defines their serve technique most of all is the pronation of the arm at contact (and of course, the trophy position, which most club players do not emulate but probably should).