Did you know that shoulder injuries are the most common upper extremity injury among tennis players?1 Proper evaluation and management of these tennis injuries is crucial for maintaining performance and preventing long-term damage. Let’s explore common shoulder injuries and their treatments.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Understanding the Overhead Pain
Rotator cuff tendinopathy involves injury to tendons that surround and support the shoulder joint, often manifesting as pain and weakness due to overuse. Physical Therapy (PT), with its focus on strengthening and increasing flexibility, is the frontline treatment for managing symptoms and restoring function.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: When Movement Becomes Restricted
Impingement syndrome is the pinching of soft tissues within the shoulder when lifting the arm. Treatment starts with rest and anti-inflammatory measures, followed by PT exercises aimed at improving posture and muscle strength around the shoulder.
When PT Isn't Enough: Exploring Surgical Interventions
If symptoms fail to resolve with conservative care, surgery may be the answer. Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures may be used to repair damaged rotator cuff tendons and increase space in the shoulder joint to relieve impingement, with rehabilitation being key to a full recovery.
Prevention: The Best Form of Management
Incorporate shoulder exercises into regular training with proper warm-up and cool-down, modify your tennis stroke to reduce injury risks, and avoid overuse of the shoulder by ensuring adequate rest.
Don't let shoulder injuries hinder your tennis game – move towards recovery and optimal performance by reaching out to an experienced shoulder specialist. A comprehensive approach to shoulder injury management and prevention can help tennis players maintain their shoulder health and continue enjoying the sport.
New Jersey Orthopaedic Institute (NJOI) offers treatments for shoulder injuries, including injury prevention, with over 40 years of award-winning experience in orthopedics and sports medicine. Book an appointment with us to know more treatment options best suited to your condition.
AUTHOR: Dr. Robert Palacios is board-certified, fellowship-trained, and specializes in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. Dr. Palacios has been a team physician for Montclair State University since 1992 and a team physician for Seton Hall University since 2002. He is also the team physician for many high schools in the tri-county area. Dr. Palacios' accomplishments include receiving the Medical Teacher of the Year award from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
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