With summer in full swing, Aldershot’s courts are buzzing with tennis and pickleball players. These sports are fantastic for cardiovascular health and social connection, but they also demand quick movements, repetitive swings, and sustained focus — all of which can put a strain on the body. At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic in Burlington, we see a rise in upper limb and lower limb injuries during tennis and pickleball season. Common conditions include tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendinitis, and knee pain.
Tennis and pickleball players are particularly prone to overuse injuries due to the repetitive motions involved in swinging and serving. For instance, the force generated during a serve can place stress on the shoulder, especially if the rotator cuff muscles are weak or tight. Likewise, pivoting and lunging on the court can aggravate the knees and ankles. Recognizing these risks is the first step toward proactive injury prevention.
While some injuries result from acute incidents, many develop over time due to improper technique, lack of conditioning, or skipping warm-ups. That’s where physiotherapy can make a significant difference. Our therapists provide sport-specific assessments to evaluate your movement patterns, range of motion, and muscular imbalances.
Preventing common racquet sports injuries:
- Incorporate shoulder mobility exercises and rotator cuff strengthening into your weekly routine
- Don’t skip your warm-up: 5-10 minutes of dynamic movement can prepare your joints for rapid play
In addition, we advise players to cross-train. Adding resistance training and flexibility work to your routine can improve your on-court performance and reduce your risk of injury. For example, strengthening the glutes and core helps stabilize your hips during lateral movement, while stretching the calves and hamstrings reduces strain on the knees.
At Sheddon Physiotherapy in Burlington, we also help players correct technique errors that may be contributing to discomfort. By observing your stroke or serve mechanics, we can identify small adjustments that reduce joint stress. Our therapists may work in tandem with your coach or instructor to integrate these corrections into your game.
When injuries do occur, early intervention is essential. Physiotherapy can speed up recovery and prevent the injury from becoming chronic. Our team utilizes modalities like Laser, joint mobilizations, dry needling, and functional taping to promote healing. These therapies can address both pain and the underlying movement dysfunction.
For those recovering from injury, we build custom rehabilitation plans. These include gradual progression back to play, with sport-specific drills that restore agility, coordination, and confidence. We understand the drive athletes have to return to the court quickly, and our role is to make that return as safe and effective as possible.
Beyond injury care, we support performance enhancement. Through mobility assessments, strength training, and agility drills, we help you optimize your physical potential and outlast your opponents. If you’re new to racquet sports, consider starting with a physiotherapy screening to identify any areas of weakness before they become problematic.
Pickleball in particular has seen explosive growth, especially among older adults. While it may appear lower impact than tennis, it still requires quick reactions, agility, and coordination. We often work with pickleball players to manage conditions like plantar fasciitis or patellofemoral pain syndrome. These can be addressed with a combination of foot support recommendations, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy.
Our Aldershot-based clinic is equipped to serve everyone from weekend warriors to competitive athletes. Whether you’re playing for fun or fighting for first place, Sheddon Physiotherapy is your partner in safe, strong, and sustainable summer sports!
Tennis and pickleball should be fun, not frustrating. At Sheddon Physiotherapy in Burlington, we’re here to help you swing strong, serve smart, and stay pain-free all summer long.
Book your appointment today and stay on top of your game or book a Free 15-minute Discovery Call.
