Tennis has exploded recently, with over 5.9 million playing since 2020.1 As it continues to grow, it’s important that players are aware of the common injuries associated with this sport. Tennis requires a lot of repetitive overhead motion, which places a lot of strain on the shoulder, making it more prone to injury.
Some of the Most Common Shoulder Injuries in Tennis Include:
Tennis has exploded recently, with over 5.9 million playing since 2020.1 As it continues to grow, it’s important that players are aware of the common injuries associated with this sport. Tennis requires a lot of repetitive overhead motion, which places a lot of strain on the shoulder, making it more prone to injury.
Some of the Most Common Shoulder Injuries in Tennis Include:
- Rotator Cuff Tears: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place. This cuff allows you to lift and rotate your arm. The aggressive nature of the tennis serve places a lot of strain on the rotator cuff, potentially resulting in a tear. Symptoms usually include pain, weakness, and/or lack of mobility in the shoulder joint.
- Shoulder Impingement: Shoulder impingement, often called tennis shoulder, occurs when the tendons of the shoulder joint become inflamed or pinched. Impingement can result from muscle imbalances or accompany a rotator cuff tear. Shoulder impingement is usually characterized by weakness and pain during activity and while at rest.
- Labral Tears: The labrum is the ring of fibrous cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint. When a labral tear occurs it’s oftentimes a result of overuse of the shoulder. Labral tears can cause pain, reduced mobility, joint instability, and a catching sensation.
- Shoulder Bursitis: The shoulder contains tiny, fluid-filled sacs called “Bursa.” Bursa can become inflamed from overuse or injury, resulting in pain, swelling, redness, and fever in the area.
Most shoulder injuries seen in tennis players are typically a result of overuse. Athletes should implement prevention strategies such as warming up, stretching, conditioning, focusing on proper form, and recovery.
If you experience symptoms of a shoulder injury, don’t delay treatment, it can cause further damage if left untreated. Dr. Anup Shah is an expert in the field of sports medicine with extensive experience in treating shoulder conditions.
AUTHOR: Dr. Anup Shah is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Sports Medicine Orthopedic surgeon specializing in Knee and Shoulder Surgery in Phoenix, Arizona at Banner Health. Dr. Shah uses a patient-centric and an evidence-based approach to help his patients achieve their desired goals.
