Serve an Ace or feel the Fault!

With Wimbledon less than two weeks away we take a look at common injuries that affect both professionals and amateurs in the sport.

The popularity of tennis has been propelled to all time highs due to the rivalry between Djokovic, Nadal, Federer and Murray. With this rise in participation, injury levels have also risen.

There are around 54 injuries per 1000 tennis matches. By understanding the mechanisms for the most common injuries you can take action to avoid them. 

The most common injuries include:

•         Sprained ankles
•          Calf strain
•          Shoulder pain
•          Stress fractures
•        Tennis Elbow

Sprained ankle

This is a common injury due to the multi directional movements involved in tennis. If you are feeling the fatigue or the surface is slippery it is easy to roll the ankle, damaging the ligaments and soft tissues.

Prevention

Ankle supports can be worn to reduce movement around the joint. Conventional braces can be used or to provide full movement with support kinesiology taping is a good idea. 

Calf Strain

Calf strains occur when one or more of the muscles in the group are forcibly stretched beyond its limit. These consist of the gastocnemius, soleus and plantaris muscles. Strain typically occurs during the push off when moving to return opponents shot.

Prevention

Prevention should be about your training routine. Strengthening the calf muscles to increase their force production capacity and also increasing flexibility to improve range of movement and extensibility. Also ensuring your nutrition and fluid intake is good can reduce muscular fatigue and hydration. 

Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is common due to the repetitive stress, particularly during the serve. Overuse of the rotator cuff , impingement and bursitis can cause pain around the shoulder.

Prevention

The stability of the shoulder is key to preventing these issues. Training routines should look to address strength and endurance of the rotator cuff and flexibility around the shoulder. Progression should be monitored to avoid overload of the shoulder. 

Stress fractures

Stress fractures of the lumbar region are common bone injuries in young tennis players. This usually presents as an ache in the lower back which increases when bending backward on one leg.

Prevention

Avoiding overload and bending backwards during tennis service can help prevent this injury. Training should include core stability and strengthening exercises to counter-act the stress placed on the back. 

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow or medial epicondylitis is an inflammation of the muscles and tendons around the forearm and elbow. It is caused by prolongued gripping and exertion.

Prevention

Tennis racquets should be sized for each individual to reduce grip pressure on oversized grips. Stretching and rest periods should be taken to reduce overload. Elbow compression methods such as Kinesiology taping should be used. 

Treatment

This is dependant on the stage of the injury. Early stage should focus on reducing inflammation. Ice therapy, rest and compression should be used under supervision of a sports injury therapist.

Once early symptoms have been controlled a full rehabilitation programme should be completed. This should include eccentric strengthening exercise for the extensor tendons. Load and repetitions should be increased gradually with the advice of a sports injury therapist.

So the next time you are playing tennis and feel an ache in your back, a pull in your shoulder or pain in your elbow then consider a Sports Injury Therapist before the condition gets worse.