Serious about Tennis
Playing tennis is a great way to stay physically fit. While the risk of injury from playing tennis is relatively low compared with other sports, common tennis injuries include injuries to the ankle, knee and wrist. See A-Z of Injury.
Some of the factors that can increase the risk of injury include:
Incorrect technique - using the correct serving and swinging action is important to prevent injury, particularly to the elbow and wrist.
Failure to warm up and cool down - warming up and cooling down is extremely important to reduce the risk of muscle and joint injuries and it will also improve performance.
Time spent playing - overexertion and overuse are the most common causes of injury in tennis. Your body needs rest and recovery between training and matches.
Previous injury - a previous injury can lead to similar injuries in the future, particularly if you have not undergone the correct rehabilitation.
General health and safety suggestions
• See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years of age or haven’t participated in regular physical activity for a long period of time.
• Warm up and stretch before you play to improve joint range of motion, promote elasticity of tendons and ligaments, and prevent muscular strain. Good preparation is important.
• Cool down after play to prevent stiffness and cardiovascular complications.
• Drink water before, during and after activity to keep hydrated.
Choose appropriate playing equipment
• Seek professional help when you choose a racquet and string tension, especially if you’ve had arm and shoulder problems.
• Avoid playing with wet balls and in windy conditions if you’ve had an arm injury in the past.
• Choose shoes carefully, preferably with professional advice on the most appropriate shoe for your foot type and for the playing surface.
What to do if an injury occurs
• Stop playing immediately to prevent further damage. Playing through the pain will only make your injury worse.
• Seek prompt first aid or medical treatment of any injury. This is important for all injured players, regardless of how severe the injury is.
• Overuse injuries creep up on you, get expert advice before they turn into a chronic problem that will prevent you from playing altogether
• Accurate diagnosis and early management will mean less time away from your sport or activity.
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