Anyone for tennis? Why Wimbledon sees physiotherapists workloads increase!
Wimbledon is, without doubt, two of the most exciting weeks of the summer. It is quintessentially British and many households in the UK, and indeed across the globe, celebrate by drinking Pimms, eating strawberries and sitting tensely on the edge of their seats as they keep their fingers crossed for another British champ.
Wimbledon also inspires many people to dust off their tennis rackets and meet up with friends on the local tennis court for a slightly competitive game of the beloved sport. Seeing our favourite stars slugging it out in the sunshine definitely ignites a passion for the sport in many people, old and young, to try tennis whether for the first time or just the first time in a long time.
Unfortunately, this newfound energy for tennis can see many people seriously hurting themselves as they attempt to emulate their favourite players. Whether people just aren’t as fit as they once were, get a little too over competitive or just don’t stretch properly, Wimbledon season can see a rush in clients into the physiotherapist’s office.
Joints
Some of the most common tennis injuries that physiotherapists will see are damage to joints such as ankles, knees, wrists and elbows. Of course, the most well known of these injuries will be tennis elbow, but not many professional players actually get this injury. It can be more common in people who have taken up the sport during the summer, and is caused by repetitive movements and reverberations from striking the ball.
Lower limbs
Lower limb injuries are also commonly seen in people who have taken up tennis. Quick sprints followed by sudden stops combining with sharp pivoting movements; the lower joints take a lot of pressure and stress. For people not used to the game this can easily result in a sprain or strain of the ankle or knee joint. The muscles in the lower limbs are also put through their paces and if not properly stretched or warmed up then an injury can easily occur.
Physiotherapy
If a tennis injury occurs then a physiotherapist will be able to get you back on your feet again as quickly as possible. Some will even offer services such as sports massage to help prevent injury before they occur and prepare your body before sport, making an injury less likely.
It is important that while you enjoy tennis season that you don’t run the risk of injuring yourself. Keep it friendly and fun and look after yourself.