How Physiotherapy Treats and Manages Tennis Injuries

Tennis may appear elegant and controlled, but behind every serve and backhand is a demanding combination of speed, rotation, and repetitive force. Tennis injuries, although they may sound reserved for professionals, can affect non-athletes and recreational tennis players. Basically, anyone can suffer from overuse, poor mechanics, and fatigue.

In this guide, we'll explore how physiotherapy supports recovery, highlights the most common tennis injuries, and provides practical prevention strategies for staying fit and strong on the court.

Physiotherapy Facilitates Tennis Injury Recovery

Tennis injuries in Singapore are related to overuse and muscle/ligament sprains, particularly in the shoulder, elbow, ankle, wrist, and knee. Physiotherapy is frequently used in treatment and rehabilitation. It is a common and widely used technique in managing and recovering from tennis injuries, using a mix of the following:

• Manual therapy
• Targeted rehabilitation exercises
• Biomechanical analysis
• Patient education

For a tennis player, the goal is not only to recover but also to improve mechanics and reduce injury risk. For non-athletes or recreational players, physiotherapy focuses on restoring function and improving movement so they can enjoy the game confidently without setbacks or recurring strain.

Physiotherapy can also include taping techniques, dry needling, ultrasound therapy, and strength training programmes tailored to the demands of tennis. This combination of treatments helps improve range of motion, enhance grip strength, and protect vulnerable areas such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, and lower back.

Typical Tennis Injuries

Tennis injuries are usually the result of overuse, poor form, or sudden movements during the game. Below are some of the most common tennis injuries and conditions treated with physiotherapy.

Wrist Injuries

Wrist injuries in tennis players often stem from poor grip size, improper racquet handling, or excessive topspin. These can include tendonitis, sprains, or cartilage damage, and typically present with pain during grip or rotation. Physiotherapy for wrist pain helps restore range of motion in this area, rebuilding strength in the forearm and wrist.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is perhaps the iconic tennis injury. It is a condition where the forearm muscles and tendons on the outer side of the elbow become inflamed due to repetitive strain. Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain during gripping or wrist extension. Though common in racquet sports, it can affect anyone engaged in frequent forearm activity.

Shoulder Impingement

This condition involves pinching or compression of soft tissue within the shoulder joint during overhead motions. Shoulder impingement causes shoulder pain, reduced mobility, and weakness, limiting your ability to serve or smash effectively.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons stabilising the shoulder. Repeated overhead actions in tennis can lead to strains, tendinitis, or even tears in these muscles. Physiotherapy focuses on rebuilding shoulder stability and preventing further damage.

Labral Tear

The labrum is the cartilage rim of the shoulder socket. A labral tear may result from repetitive serves or falls. It can cause clicking, deep joint pain, and a sensation of instability.

Lower Back Stress Fractures

The twisting motion during a tennis swing can overload the lumbar spine, especially in young players. Stress fractures in the vertebrae are serious injuries that demand rest and rehabilitation to avoid long-term consequences such as chronic lower back pain.

Meniscus Tear

A knee injury involving the meniscus, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, can occur due to sudden pivots or lunges on the court. Symptoms include swelling, locking, or discomfort when bending the knee.

Jumper’s Knee

Also known as patellar tendon tendinopathy, this condition is caused by repetitive stress to the knee during jumping and sudden stops. It presents as pain just below the kneecap and is commonly aggravated on hard or grass courts.

ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee can be torn during sudden directional changes or missteps. Though less frequent, an ACL tear is a serious tennis injury requiring structured rehab or even surgery.

Tennis Leg

This refers to a tear in the calf muscle, often occurring during a sprint or push-off. The injury presents with a sudden, sharp pain in the calf and can result in difficulty walking or continuing the match.

Sprained Ankle

Ankle sprains and ankle injuries are common in tennis due to rapid side-to-side movements. Twisting or rolling the ankle can damage ligaments, leading to swelling and instability. Proper footwear, court awareness, and physiotherapy for ankle sprain help reduce the risk of recurrence.

What Increases Your Risk of Tennis Injuries

Several factors influence injury risk in tennis and make players more prone to injuries. We'll break them down here:

• Overuse
• Poor technique
• Improper equipment
• Lack of physical conditioning
• Playing surface
• Age and flexibility

Repeated play without adequate rest is one of the leading causes of injuries, especially to the shoulder, wrist, and elbow. Similarly, incorrect form, particularly during serves and backhands, places excessive stress on joints and muscles, increasing the likelihood of strain.

Using the wrong grip size, worn-out tennis shoes, or an unstrung or mismatched racquet can also lead to uneven load distribution and overcompensation injuries. Weakness in the core, hips, or shoulders compromises joint stability and control, heightening injury risk during dynamic movements.

Hard courts offer minimal shock absorption, so the impact on knees, ankles, and hips increases on softer surfaces like clay or grass. For older players, reduced flexibility and joint mobility can make tissues more susceptible to tears, inflammation, and chronic strain.

What You Can Do To Prevent Tennis Injuries

Staying proactive is key to preventing the most common tennis injuries. These strategies can protect your body and extend your playing life.

Inspect Your Gear

Ensure your tennis racquet has the appropriate grip size, weight, and string tension. Improper gear can be a major contributor to elbow, wrist, and shoulder injuries.

Wear Supports

Braces, straps, and tape can help support vulnerable joints like the wrist, elbow, or knee. Especially after injury, these aids reduce stress on healing tissue and can prevent re-injury.

Exercise Before and After

Dynamic warm-ups prepare the muscles and joints, while cooling down and stretching afterwards improve recovery and flexibility. This helps reduce the risk of muscle tightness or injuries.

Proper Technique

Work with a coach to refine your swing, footwork, and serve mechanics. Improper technique is a leading cause of tennis injuries and should be addressed early.

Moderate Play Time

Too much court time leads to overuse. Be mindful of your training volume and listen to signs of pain in the elbow, knee, shoulder, or lower back.

RICE

For minor injuries or flare-ups, follow the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. This standard approach helps reduce swelling and manage pain in the early stages of a tennis injury.

Conclusion

Tennis is a fast, engaging, and physically demanding sport. However, the demands on the joints, muscles, and connective tissue make players prone to various injuries, especially when training volume, form, or recovery is neglected. Thankfully, physiotherapy provides solutions not only for recovery but also for prevention and long-term performance. The right intervention at the right time can get you back on the court, stronger, smarter, and resilient.