Tennis is an intense sport that leave the body susceptible to a variety of sports injuries if the body is not prepared for the level of play. The tennis swing itself is a repetitive motion performed hundreds of times in a match. The body must be able to perform constant acceleration, deceleration, and changes of direction. Tennis injuries are experienced by both professional and recreational players alike. However, many of these injuries can be prevented. Tennis rehab is able to help you return to the court for for pain-free and safe play.
Factors leading to Tennis Injuries:
- Overuse and over-practice
- Traumatic force to the body from improper swing execution
- Improper deceleration mechanics
- Rotational stresses on the spine
- Muscle imbalances
- Core muscles in need of strengthening
Common Tennis Injuries:
- Wrist Injuries – As a result of the repetitive nature of the swing, wrist injuries are prevalent in tennis players. A great deal of stress is placed on the wrist, over time, due to muscle imbalances throughout the shoulder, the core lacking proper strength to support rotational movements, and improper swing mechanics. De Quervain’s tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are the two most common tennis-related wrist injuries.
- Elbow Injuries – Irritation and inflammation of a tendon is referred to as tendonitis. This is the most common condition affecting the elbow in tennis players. In fact, this injury is so common to tennis players that it is named after the sport. Injury to the outer tendon of the elbow is known as “tennis elbow.” Many factors can contribute to the development of elbow tendonitis, such as: repetitive motions, improper swing mechanics, limitations to your range of motion, muscle weakness and imbalance, incorrect grip and racquet size.
- Shoulder Injuries – In order to properly perform a tennis swing that has both force and speed, the muscles of the shoulder must simultaneously provide stability throughout the shoulder’s full range of motion while regulating the acceleration and deceleration of the arm. Rotator cuff sprains, tendonitis, tears, and impingement syndrome are all common shoulder injuries suffered by tennis players.
- Knee Injuries – The knees are subjected to a great deal of stress and force during a tennis match or practice. High impact, repetitive acceleration, deceleration, and abrupt changes of direction can all be tough on the knees. Rotational stresses are transferred to the knees from these motions, which can result in ligament sprains or muscle strains/tendonitis and can contribute to or aggravate existing arthritis. Torn ligaments, most commonly the ACL and/or MCL, may also occur when extreme forces are placed on the knee.
- Ankle Injuries – Abrupt and frequent pivoting at high speeds during the game of tennis, increases the risk of sustaining an ankle sprain. Ankle injuries are caused by factors such as improper body mechanics, muscle weakness at the ankle or hip, and/or lacking positional awareness. In mild cases, the ligaments on the outside of the ankle can be stressed. However, in the case of more severe injuries, the medial ligaments can be damaged and fracture of the tibia or fibula can even result.
Get back in the swing of things!
Our Progressive Medical Fitness physical therapy team will work with you through tennis rehab, to identify and restore any factors that may leave you susceptible to injury or prevent you from reaching your full potential limitations such as: limits to your range of motion, muscle weaknesses and imbalances, and incorrect or inefficient swing mechanics. Our “Return To Sport Program” will re-introduce the forehand, backhand, overhead serve strokes in a controlled and organized environment to teach you to reduce the risk of future injury and lessen your time away from court.
To discover more about our tennis rehab program, contact our dedicated team of professionals at Progressive Medical Fitness in Northport, NY today.