The impact of tennis injuries can be reduced by careful management of swelling, protection of the injured structures from further injury, and by enlisting the support of one of our Bath chartered physiotherapist or our sports chiropractor or osteopath. Collateral tissue damage can be minimised by following the POLICE or PRICE guidelines, standing for protection, optimal loading/rest, ice, compression and elevation. Current evidence as published by the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports & Exercise Medicine (ACPSEM) should be followed to minimise collateral tissue damage.
Anti-inflammatories are not recommended in the first 5-7 days after injury, as inflammation is the body’s way of healing. Swelling needs to be managed, but stopping inflammation from occurring at all is not advised. A chartered physio will perform a thorough assessment to evaluate how well joints and muscles are functioning. In addition the physio will assess muscle power, strength and endurance as well as balance, co-ordination and joint position awareness. Injured players will be guided from the initial phase after the injury to the end phase of return-to-play testing. It is important to rehabilitate fully after any injury as failure to do so often leads to re-injury often resulting in a longer period off play. Rotator cuff tear What is it? The rotator muscle complex provides stability and controls movement of the shoulder joint. Tears may be due to overuse or acute trauma. How does physiotherapy treat rotator cuff tears? Acute soft tissue management as evidenced by the PRICE guidelines (above) should be undertaken to reduce secondary damage from swelling. Simple painkillers may be taken but anti-inflammatories should be avoided at this stage. Once again a thorough examination will guide the treatment plan which may include mobilisations, soft tissue techniques, taping, acupuncture and other physiotherapy modalities. The physiotherapist will write a graded rehabilitation plan including return to play testing. Shoulder injuries: famous tennis examples Maria Sharapova had surgery to repair two rotator cuff tears in 2008 and has since suffered other problems with her shoulder. Lower back pain What is it?This is very common among tennis players because of the repetitive nature of the game and the demands of the strokes, especially serving. Acute pain may result from a sudden stretch or fall or ongoing ache may be experienced. Physical conditioning is very important to minimise the risk of low back pain in recreational as well as elite tennis players. How does physiotherapy treat lower back pain?A full assessment of movement control, flexibility, strength and endurance will guide the treatment and rehabilitation plans. Our Team may use hands-on techniques for joints and soft-tissues, taping, acupuncture, exercise prescription, and practical advice. Back injuries: famous tennis examples Roger Federer has suffered long-term issues with his back that he manages with core strength training and by playing fewer tournaments, while Andy Murray underwent surgery last year to address a long-standing problem. Wrist sprain What is it? The wrist contains many small joints and ligaments and has a cartilage structure, TFCC, like the knee meniscus, which can be injured. How does physiotherapy treat wrist sprain?The physiotherapist will follow the PRICE guidelines (above) and may protect the joint with a splint or strapping. A full examination will be undertaken to determine which structures are involved. A graded exercise program, including return to play testing, will be undertaken alongside hands-on treatments. Carpal tunnel syndrome What is it? This condition occurs when the median nerve that passes through the wrist is compressed, causing pain throughout the hand, wrist and forearm. How does physiotherapy treat carpal tunnel syndrome? The first priority is to reduce any swelling in the carpal tunnel region and ensure the forearm muscles are functioning properly. An assessment of the neck and neural system will be done to rule out any problems further up the movement chain. An assessment of racquet grip and tennis stroke may help to identify any technical issues. Wrist injuries: famous tennis examples Juan Martin Del Potro has suffered serious injuries to both wrists that have been reported as career-threatening. Nikolay Davydenko is another player to have struggled with a wrist injury. Patella tendonopathy What is it? This injury involves pain in the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the top of one of the shin bones (tibia) and is usually caused by overuse. It can be either acute or chronic in nature. How does physiotherapy treat patella tendonopathy? Management of inflammation and restoration of movement range and control are key factors in this condition early on then a graded loading rehab programme is key. This condition need not stop a tennis player from playing, but the physiotherapist may suggest modifications to the amount or intensity of play. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain What is it?This ligament limits excessive sideways movement of the inner side of the knee joint. It has close links with the knee meniscus (cartilage) and the anterior cruciate ligament. The Unhappy Triad is the name given when all three structures are injured together. MCL injuries can vary from overuse strains to full ruptures. A ruptured MCL may be managed conservatively or surgically. How does physiotherapy treat medial collateral ligament sprain?Immediate treatment involves the PRICE guidelines (above). Protection may be offered in the form of bracing and / or use of crutches. Painkillers can be used but anti-inflammatories should be avoided in the immediate aftermath of the injury. Restoration of normal range of motion is one of the first targets even if weight bearing is still reduced. Movement control including balance and co-ordination skills will form part of the rehabilitation plan along with hands-on techniques and strengthening. The physiotherapist will guide the patient through graded exercises from squatting and lunging type exercises to jumping, hopping and landing skills. Knee injuries: famous tennis examples Rafa Nadal suffers knee tendonitis that requires ongoing management, while Richard Krajceck battled back from a severe knee ligament injury to win further tournaments. Calf strain What is it?Injuries to the calf complex can affect the deep and superficial calf muscles, the Achilles Tendon and the Plantar Fascia of the foot. How does physiotherapy treat calf strain? Immediate treatment involves the PRICE guidelines (above). Protection may be offered in the form of bracing and / or use of crutches. Painkillers can be used but anti-inflammatories should be avoided in the immediate aftermath of the injury. Restoration of normal range of motion is one of the first targets even if weight bearing is still reduced. Movement control including balance and co-ordination skills will form part of the rehabilitation plan along with hands-on techniques and strengthening. The physiotherapist will guide the patient through graded exercises from squatting and lunging type exercises to jumping, hopping and landing skills. Sprained ankle What is it?The most common injury is a strain to the lateral (outside) ligament but the deltoid ligament on the inside/medial side of the ankle can also be injured. Excessive strain on the ankle where it ‘rolls out’ can cause the lateral ligament to stretch or rupture and medial ligament to compress and get squashed. How do physiotherapists treat sprained ankle?I mmediate treatment involves the PRICE guidelines (above). Protection may be offered in the form of bracing such as a walking boot, and / or use of crutches. Painkillers can be used but anti-inflammatories should be avoided in the immediate aftermath of the injury. Restoration of normal range of motion is one of the first targets even if weight bearing is still reduced. Movement control including balance and co-ordination skills will form part of the rehabilitation plan along with hands-on techniques and strengthening. The physiotherapist will guide the patient through graded exercises from squatting and lunging type exercises to jumping, hopping and landing skills. If you are suffering with any of these injuries or any others just call for help and support getting you back to your best!
3 Comments
25/7/2022 07:48:20 pm
This is very common among tennis players because of the repetitive nature of the game and the demands of the strokes, especially serving. Thank you, amazing post!
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26/8/2022 08:44:55 pm
This is very common among tennis players because of the repetitive nature of the game and the demands of the strokes, especially serving. Thank you, amazing post!
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AuthorPhysioimpulse Chartered Physiotherapists Archives
November 2024
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