Tennis and padel are dynamic, high-intensity sports characterized by quick direction changes, explosive sprints, and repetitive arm movements. These demands make players susceptible to injury. Fortunately, sports physiotherapy offers highly effective solutions for enhancing performance and addressin
To play at your best—safely and with satisfaction—it’s important to understand how to protect your muscles, joints, and tendons. Proper technique, warm-up routines, and recovery strategies are essential to maintaining long-term health and preventing strain.
Sports physiotherapy plays a vital role in preparing the body for performance and stepping in when injuries or imbalances occur. Personalized techniques are used to prevent injuries, improve mobility, and optimize athletic performance.
Let’s explore the most common issues faced by tennis and padel players, along with causes, symptoms, and effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Most Common Issues
Tennis and padel players frequently experience tendon inflammations, ligament sprains, and musculoskeletal fatigue. Here are the key conditions:
- Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Inflammation of the tendons of the forearm extensors, caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements. Symptoms include pain on the outside of the elbow, radiating down the forearm, worsening with activity.
- Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Inflammation or injury of the tendons stabilizing the shoulder joint. Repetitive overhead motions (like serving) are a major risk factor.
- Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, typically caused by repeated jumping or rapid changes in direction.
- Ankle Sprains
Common due to quick lateral movements. They involve stretching or tearing of the ankle ligaments.
- Low Back Pain (Lumbago)
Caused by twisting movements and prolonged game postures, leading to muscle overload, spinal misalignment, and core weakness.
Role of Physiotherapy
Orthopedic physiotherapy is essential for building a resilient body, preventing injuries, and addressing trauma, wear, and overload. Clinical studies confirm the effectiveness of physiotherapy in achieving therapeutic goals quickly and safely.
For Tendinopathies
Main treatment techniques include:
- Manual therapies (joint mobilization, soft tissue massage) to relieve pain, tension, and stiffness
- Specific exercises (eccentric, isometric, elastic resistance) to restore muscle strength and mobility
- Instrumental therapies like shockwave therapy, ultrasound, and TENS to reduce inflammation and support healing
- Cryotherapy and laser therapy for acute conditions
- EPTE (Percutaneous Electrolysis Therapy) for advanced tendinopathy treatment
- PBFR (Personalized Blood Flow Restriction) to lower mechanical load while supporting recovery
For Sprains
Initial treatment follows the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to reduce inflammation and pain. Then:
- Manual lymphatic drainage, TECAR therapy, and kinesiotaping for acute phase care
- Proprioception exercises on unstable surfaces to improve balance and stability
- Joint mobilizations to restore motion and reduce stiffness
For Low Back Pain
Treatment involves:
- Core strengthening exercises to stabilize the spine and reduce load
- Manual therapy, spinal mobilization, and myofascial release techniques
- Postural education to help maintain correct alignment during play and daily life
Trust the Kinetic Center for Prevention and Recovery
Sports like tennis and padel expose players to a variety of injuries. At the Kinetic Center in Lugano, our sports physiotherapy experts offer scientifically proven solutions to prevent and treat injuries, enhancing performance and addressing critical issues effectively.
With advanced technologies and personalized rehabilitation plans, we’ll help you play safely and confidently.
Call today to book a free consultation and start your journey toward an injury-free sports season!
