Tennis is a popular racket sport among athletes and amateurs looking to stay active and fit. However, repetitive movements needed to complete successful serves and backhand swings can lead to shoulder pain and even injury. If you have suffered a shoulder injury while playing tennis, then visit a shoulder pain chiropractic office for care and treatment. Chiropractic care offers an all-natural and minimally invasive approach to treating a wide variety of injuries, including shoulder injuries from sports like tennis. Learn more about common shoulder injuries in tennis players and how chiropractic can help.
3 Common Shoulder Injuries in Tennis Players and Their Symptoms
Here are 3 of the most common shoulder injuries that tennis players experience.
1. Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is the nickname for a condition known as lateral epicondylitis. This injury is nicknamed tennis elbow because it is one of the most common injuries in young athletes, especially tennis players. Repetitive arm movements required for a swing can cause inflammation in the muscles and tendons along the forearm and outside of the elbow. This can cause elbow pain and tenderness with certain arm movements.
2. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
The rotator cuff is part of the shoulder joint and is made up of muscles and tendons that help stabilize and move the shoulder. When those muscles and tendons become inflamed, it can cause pain and keep you from moving your shoulder in certain ways, like overhead swings. Rotator cuff tendinitis is another type of overuse injury that can keep you off the tennis court until you’ve healed.
3. Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis is another shoulder injury that can be caused by the repetitive movements of your tennis swing. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that help prevent friction inside the joints. When the bursa in the shoulder become aggravated by repetitive movements, they can become inflamed and cause shoulder bursitis. If you have shoulder bursitis, you may notice swelling, tenderness, pain, and your shoulder may be warm to the touch.
Treating Common Shoulder Injuries in Tennis Players
See a Doctor Right Away
When you have a shoulder injury due to repetitive movements and overuse, the best way you can handle it is by taking it seriously as soon as you start to notice the pain. Visit a sports chiropractor for your shoulder pain and if you have concerns about a repetitive stress injury from playing tennis. Most shoulder injuries involve inflammation of muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues, and the best way to help swelling go down is to make plenty of time to rest. Take intentional rest and breaks from the movements that are exacerbating the pain while you visit a doctor.
Manage & Relieve Pain
Talk to your chiropractor about ways to relieve and manage pain so that you can still participate in the sport you enjoy. You may have tried taking over-the-counter pain medications to help, but those only provide temporary relief. In order to experience lasting relief from your shoulder pain, your chiropractor can discuss natural and non-surgical treatment options that will help you manage your pain on the court and off. If you continue to play tennis when you have shoulder inflammation, then you risk making an injury worse or even developing chronic pain. Instead, talk to your chiropractor about how to avoid chronic pain by addressing the root cause of the injury.
Reduce Inflammation
Making time to rest will help reduce inflammation in the shoulder. Your chiropractor can also gently examine your affected shoulder and help to stabilize the joint by resolving any misalignment. Applying ice to your shoulder can also help to naturally reduce swelling and inflammation in the area, with the added benefit of a numbing effect for the pain.
Regain Strength & Mobility
While you recover from a shoulder injury, you may be concerned about losing strength from staying off the court. Your doctor can talk to you about ways to safely regain your strength and mobility so that you can start safely playing tennis again. Your chiropractor may also talk to you about ways to improve your tennis technique to help avoid pain and injury in the future.
Visit AICA Orthopedics in Jonesboro to learn more about how chiropractic can help with shoulder pain for tennis players.