Why can we get injured playing tennis?

By: Juan D. Lacouture, Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon, and José R. Dangond, Spine Surgeon.

The importance of tennis as a sport is reflected in its growing popularity around the world, with approximately 17.9 million players in the United States alone.

However, injuries are common during play, and various factors influence their occurrence.

The combination of repetitive movements, changes in court surfaces, and the demands placed on the entire body can be challenging for players and increase the risk of injury.

Key factors that may be related to injuries:

Match duration: Tennis matches can be long and strenuous, increasing fatigue and the possibility of overuse injuries.

Aerobic and anaerobic exercise: Tennis involves a mix of aerobic and anaerobic exertion, which can lead to repetitive stress on muscles and joints.

Impact on the Kinetic Chain: Movements in tennis not only affect the upper limbs but can impact the entire kinetic chain of the body, from the feet to the wrists.

Different Playing Surfaces: Playing on hard courts or clay courts can have significant implications for how the body interacts with the ground and how movements are performed. This can affect load and biomechanics.

Clothing and Equipment Selection: Wearing the right equipment, such as shoes designed for the surface and adjusting the tension of the racket strings, can influence a player's comfort and effectiveness during play.

Adaptation to the Surface Type: Players should train on the surfaces they will encounter in tournaments to adapt to changes in the game and reduce the risk of injury.

Physical and Technical Preparation: A focus on strength and flexibility, as well as proper technique, can help players minimize the risk of injury and improve their performance.

In general, it is essential that tennis players are aware of these factors and take preventative measures to avoid injuries. Furthermore, guidance from coaches, physiotherapists, and sports medicine specialists can be invaluable in developing personalized injury prevention strategies.