Winter is fading to a cold memory and spring is quickly approaching. For those working in physical therapy jobs, this transition means you'll likely treat more athletes from spring sports. Tennis players, both competitive and recreational, will be particularly active during these next few months. Physical therapists must be prepared to treat these individuals so they can return to play before the season is over. Here are a few things to keep in mind for tennis player clients:
Shoulder injuries
The shoulder is an integral tool to the tennis player in matches and practices – in fact, some might argue they rely on it too much. After all, many injuries stem from shoulder overuse, particularly the abduction external rotation movement. Research from the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlighted that tennis injuries related to overhand motions often result in what many athletes refer to as thrower's shoulder.
Especially apparent in baseball pitchers and football quarterbacks, thrower's shoulder is caused by unnatural movement. It is crucial for PTs to apply all they know about shoulder mechanisms when developing treatment strategies and helping athletes prevent this specific injury. Conclusions from the above study advised capsular stretching and scapular stabilization as key components of an effective rehabilitation plan.
Groin injuries
The International Tennis Federation pointed out that groin injuries are also common in tennis players. As athletes make quick side-to-side movements across the court, they may strain or tear the tendons and muscles near the pelvic bone. As the ITF noted, a slippery surface can easily cause tennis players to take a misstep or end up in the split position, resulting in this injury.
As a PT, it's important to offer both treatment and prevention advice. Explain the risk of playing on a wet surface so the client may be more inclined to stay off the court after it rains. To maintain traction on shoes, suggest the athlete keep game footwear in his or her gym bag, and only use them on indoor courts.
Working with tennis players
Like any athlete, tennis players want to speed up the healing process so they can return to play as soon as possible. Of course, a key component of rehabilitation is time, and there's nothing you can do as a PT to take that aspect away. As such, it's crucial to explain the purpose and importance of rest to the client so he or she does not jump back into the normal workout regimen too early.
It may help to offer suggestions for how the client can spend his or her time when not playing. Advise the athlete to film teammates so they can review their performance and make adjustments for improvement. Additionally, the injured player can keep score for his or her team or ensure everyone has water available during the matches.
Building connections with clients is just as vital as providing an effective treatment plan. Learn about tennis and its common injuries to develop a rehabilitation strategy that truly fits the athlete's needs.