Common Tennis Injuries And How To Prevent Them
Rotator cuff strain – the rotator cuff muscles help to stabilise the shoulder as it moves. Since the shoulder moves a lot and with high forces during tennis, it is not uncommon for the rotator cuff muscles to experience strain over time. Physiotherapy can help to relieve pain associated with rotator cuff strains, with shoulder strengthening exercises being the primary focus of treatment
Ankle sprain – due to the repetitive multidirectional movements associated with tennis, a player may misplace their foot and this can result in an ankle sprain. There are several grades of injury involved with ankle sprains, and the grade of injury influences the length of rehabilitation. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment modality for ankle sprains, with one of the aspects of treatment being the prevention of future ankle sprains.
- Achilles injury – the Achilles tendon is prone to high loads associated with running. Over time, the tendon can become irritated due to several biomechanical factors such as weak calf muscles and improper foot alignment. Some tennis players will be unlucky enough to suffer an Achilles tear. Physiotherapy treatment can help to regain strength and mobility in the ankle post-injury, as well as reducing the risk of re-injury when returning to tennis
Knee injuries – the knee joint takes a lot of strain during tennis due to increased weight-bearing and rotational forces. The main structures that can be implemented in the knee include the cartilage (meniscus) and ligaments. Return to tennis depends on the severity of injury, and your physiotherapist will be able to guide you through your rehabilitation
How are these common tennis injuries treated?
Contact Graceville Physiotherapy for treatment of common tennis injuries.
At Graceville Physio, our physiotherapists regularly see patients with tennis injuries and implement individualised exercise programs to help prepare them for a return to tennis. Contact us today for a chat about helping you live pain free.
Meredith Pfohl