Due to the impact nature of the game, tennis has specific injuries that can be brought about by playing the sports. By far the most famous would be Tennis Elbow but no doubt this is so because of the injury being specifically named after the sport.
There are numerous other common injuries that can occur that are not quite as well documented but nevertheless just as debilitating.
A great deal of these injuries can be prevented with correct warm up’s and warm down’s but some are unavoidable.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow is an overuse of the muscles that extend the wrist or bend it backwards. This muscle is also the one that takes most stress when the racket hits the ball.
Normally good warm up procedures and technique can prevent this injury from happening. Also try a different grip on your racket as this sometimes works.
Shoulder Injuries
These often occur due to poor condition and lack of strength of the rotator cuff muscles. These muscles help position the shoulder properly in it’s socket. When these muscles are weak there is sometimes an increase of play of the ball in the socket and this causes irritation of the tissues. Then the tendon can become inflamed and produce a great deal of pain.
Light wrist exercises can alleviate this malady and help stop the condition from even occurring.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures often occur at the start of your tennis career and especially with juniors. They occur by training and playing competitive tennis too rapidly. When muscles tire then more stress is placed upon the bones.
If this happens too quickly then the bone cannot adjust quickly enough and breaks. Usually these are just cracks that cause pain rather than an actual break. Stress fractures can occur in the leg (tibia or fibula) or in the foot (metatarsals)
These injuries can be prevented with a correct strength training regime, and always wear appropriate footwear.
Muscle Strains
Tennis is a game of quick sudden moves and this is perfect for causing muscle strains. Normally a good warm up including plenty of stretching a slow jog or perhaps a bike ride is ideal.
Stretching should be slow and no jerky movements such as bouncing. The best stretches are moving stretches, such as swinging your leg as far forward as it will go and backward swinging your arms.
If you have any concerns about an injury or how to prevent one then there are many professional trainers dotted around Sydney that will give you all the advice you need.
Most reputable tennis clubs will have somebody that will be a fully trained athletic trainer.
If you have any doubts whatsoever do not start playing again until the injury is fully healed. And if you are still not certain seek medical advice as returning to your favourite sport too early could put you back a long time.
Avoiding many of the common aches and strains can be easier when you take on advice from a professional tennis coach.
Why not organise private lessons with one of our professional coaches. It’s probably more affordable that you first thought!
For more information and to book your court, contact our friendly team today!