Tennis shoulder, also known as shoulder impingement, is a common type of shoulder injury among tennis players. The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body, and it is often susceptible to injury due to its wide range of motion. Tennis shoulder is an injury caused by repetitive overhead motions that put too much strain on the muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint. It is characterized by pain, inflammation, and weakness in the shoulder, as well as decreased range of motion.
What Causes Tennis Shoulder?
Tennis shoulder is caused by a combination of factors, including improper technique, inadequate warm-up, and overuse.
Incorrect Technique
The most common cause of tennis shoulder is incorrect technique. When performing a powerful overhead stroke, the player must use the correct form in order to avoid putting too much strain on their shoulder. Failure to use the correct form can lead to overuse injuries and cause pain, inflammation, and decreased range of motion.
Inadequate Warm-Up
Another common cause of tennis shoulder is inadequate warm-up. Warming up the muscles and joints before playing tennis is essential to avoid injury. A good warm-up should include stretching and dynamic movements to increase the range of motion in the shoulder and prepare it for the physical demands of the game.
Overuse
Tennis shoulder is also caused by overuse. The repetitive overhead motions of a tennis stroke can put a lot of strain on the shoulder muscles and tendons. Without adequate rest, the shoulder can become overworked, leading to pain, inflammation, and decreased range of motion.
Symptoms of Tennis Shoulder
The most common symptom of tennis shoulder is pain in the shoulder, especially when performing overhead strokes. Other symptoms include:
- Weakness in the shoulder
- Inflammation in the shoulder
- Decreased range of motion in the shoulder
- Difficulty performing overhead strokes
Diagnosing Tennis Shoulder
In order to diagnose tennis shoulder, the doctor will perform a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history. They may also order imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI to get a better look at the shoulder joint.
Treating Tennis Shoulder
Tennis shoulder can be treated with a combination of rest, physical therapy, and medications.
Rest
The first step in treating tennis shoulder is to rest the shoulder and avoid any activities that could aggravate the injury. This will give the shoulder time to heal and reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is important in the treatment of tennis shoulder. A physical therapist can provide exercises and stretches to help strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve range of motion.
Medications
In some cases, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain.
Preventing Tennis Shoulder
The best way to prevent tennis shoulder is to use the correct technique when performing overhead strokes, warm up properly before playing, and give the shoulder adequate rest between matches.
Correct Technique
It is important to use the correct technique when performing overhead strokes in order to avoid putting too much strain on the shoulder muscles and tendons. A physical therapist or coach can help teach the correct form for performing overhead strokes.
Proper Warm-Up
Warming up the muscles and joints prior to playing tennis is essential to avoid injury. A good warm-up should include dynamic stretches and movements to increase the range of motion in the shoulder.
Adequate Rest
Giving the shoulder adequate rest between tennis matches is important to avoid overuse injuries. It is recommended to take at least one day off between matches to allow the shoulder to recover.
When to See a Doctor
If the pain and symptoms of tennis shoulder do not improve with rest, physical therapy, and medications, then it is advisable to see a doctor. A doctor can diagnose the injury and recommend the best treatment plan.
Conclusion
Tennis shoulder is a common injury among tennis players caused by a combination of improper technique, inadequate warm-up, and overuse. It is characterized by pain, inflammation, and weakness in the shoulder, as well as decreased range of motion. Treatments for tennis shoulder include rest, physical therapy, and medications. The best way to prevent tennis shoulder is to use the correct technique when performing overhead strokes, warm up properly before playing, and give the shoulder adequate rest between matches. If the pain and symptoms do not improve with these treatments, then it is advisable to see a doctor.