Tennis is a very physically demanding game, and it is difficult for one to play if one lags the amount of agility the game needs. On average, tennis players train themselves for at least 4 hours a day before competing. With this level of training and working comes the challenge to keep yourself safe from any injury that could obstruct you from playing for your team.
All the training could go in vain by just taking the wrong step or swinging your racquet at the wrong angle.
Here are a few prevalent injuries to a tennis player.
Lower Back Pain
Tennis players frequently have low back discomfort. Postural abnormalities, muscular dysfunction (imbalances, shortening, or weakening of muscles), overuse, instability, and articular dysfunction in the lower back are all possible causes of low back pain. The combined rotation, flexion, and extension of the back during the serve in tennis may cause issues.
But majorly, the lower back pain in tennis is triggered when the athletes have a bad posture or do the wrong footwork while playing. Tennis players’ back problems are frequently caused by poor posture. Many players keep their heads forward, and their upper backs rounded, which puts unnecessary strain on the lower back.
Thrower’s Shoulder
Thrower’s shoulder is a common condition in tennis players, as they need a lot of movement in the upper shoulder. A thrower’s shoulder is usually caused by increased strain on the rotator cuff tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. The increased load is caused by the speed with which we move the arm when throwing or serving in tennis or smashing in badminton, and it usually happens as a result of a rapid increase in activity, which creates overload.
It is generally caused by increased strain on the rotator cuff tendons that surround the shoulder joint. The increased load is caused by the speed with which we move the arm when throwing or serving in tennis or smashing in badminton, and it usually happens as a result of a rapid increase in activity, which creates overload.
Tennis elbow is an overuse ailment that arises when tendons become overused, causing inflammation, degeneration, and probable tears. This painful condition, often known as lateral epicondylitis, can affect anyone. Tennis players who grasp their racquets excessively tightly are prone to this condition. Tennis elbow is a condition caused by muscular tension and overuse. The issue is the repetitive contraction of the forearm muscles when the hand and wrist are extended and raised. Repetitive movement and tissue tension can result in a succession of tiny rips in the tendon that links the forearm muscles to the bony protrusion outside the elbow.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is discomfort in the front of the knee and around the patella or kneecap. It is often called the runner’s knee since it is more common among athletes, particularly girls and youngsters, but it can also happen in non-athletes. Make climbing stairs, kneeling, and other routine movements harder. In runner’s knee, a tennis player may find it difficult to do any kind of drill, let alone tournaments.
In 2017, Serena William had to withdraw from the Indian wells because of her knees. Though knees are essential for everyone, knee pain can be life-changing for athletes who play professionally.
Groin Injury
A groin injury is a partial tear or strain in the inner thigh muscles of the adductor muscles. The damage commonly occurs at the muscle-tendon junction or the tendon’s connection to the pelvic bone. An acute discomfort in the groin or inner thigh may be felt. Groin muscle tightness and hardness may occur. When the adductor tendons or pubic bones are palpated, they feel tender. Pressing our legs together can also be painful. There may be swelling or bruising, although this may not appear for several days after the initial injury. A minor dip may be observed or felt in severe damage.
How can you prevent these injuries by taking simple steps?
No matter how much you love a game, injuries come as a part of it, but one can avoid those by taking some steps daily.
Warm up; never skip warming up before any intense physical activity.
Nutrition and nourishing yourself to take all the intense work and perform well are essential.
Using the correct type of equipment for the training and match is very important to brace yourself for injuries.
Proper technique and posture are crucial for better performance and the prevention of injuries.
Strengthening your muscles is also important when playing any game regularly. It prepares your body to take the intense pressure it has to take during the tournaments.
Listen to your body; do not force it to go beyond your limits and do better, as your body may retaliate.