Shoulder Injuries

WHAT ARE SHOULDER INJURIES?

Shoulder overuse injuries are usually due to poor strength and conditioning of the rotator cuff muscles. The rotator cuff helps to position the shoulder properly in the shoulder socket. When it is fatigued or weak, there is increased "play" of the ball in the socket irritating the tissues. This usually produces pain especially with high velocity repetitive movements, eg. in a serve.

WHY DO SHOULDER INJURIES HAPPEN?

Some muscles respond to this trauma by becoming tight and others by becoming weak, causing inefficient movement patterns. This is referred to as a muscle 'imbalance' - the most common reason for injury at the shoulder.

TOP TIPS

• Strengthen, balance and stabilise the shoulder muscles with specific training exercises
• Avoid overuse and fatigue - limit your tennis activities to your individual physical limitations
• Get your technique and form analysed
• Consider decreasing your racquet string tension or using a lighter racquet
• Engage in sports specific training to prepare for advanced levels of play
• Do not ignore or "work through" persistent pain

 

Q: Are you getting shoulder pain or twinges whilst playing?

A: Book a tennis assessment to analyse your shoulder biomechanics and prevent further injury!

 

Contact me for all your physio needs

 

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