Physiotherapy and Acute Onset Tennis and Golf Injuries

In the Summer, here at Orchard Physiotherapy Clinic we see more clients complaining of injuries related to tennis and golf.

Types of Tennis and Golf Injury

Some of these sport related injuries include:

• Elbow pain:
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfers elbow
• Shoulder pain:
  • Rotator cuff impingement
  • Rotator cuff tear
• Neck pain
• Lower back pain
• Wrist sprain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Knee pain such as:
  • Patella tendonopathy
  • Medial collateral ligament sprain
• Calf strain
• Sprained ankle
• Cramp

Advice following injury 

In the past, most physios offered advice relating to RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Things have moved on and the approach to sports injuries can be helped by following advice relating to POLICE or PRICE.

• Protection: splints, taping, crutches, modifying activity
• Optimal Loading/Rest: load the tissues relative to their state of injury and repair
• Ice: cold compress, cold water immersion
• Compression: strapping, compression garments
• Elevation: place injured part higher than the heart

Following these can help to manage the initial stages if joint or tissue swelling.

Medication: Pain killers

If you are able, take pain killers such as paracetamol to control pain.

Regarding the use of Anti-inflammatories, these should be used sparingly in the first 5-7 days after the injury.  It is important to allow the body to heal and the inflammation process is the bodies way of starting to do so.

It is important that joint or tissue swelling is managed, but this can be done by following the above.

Physiotherapy for Tennis and Golf injuries

If you have concerns then see a physiotherapist at Orchard Clinic. You will get a thorough assessment to diagnose the injury and manage the symptoms to help you get back to your game safely.

They will usually provide a rehab program consisting of exercise relating to joint and soft tissue mobility, muscle strength and progression to power based exercise, finishing with sports specific drills to get you back on your game.

If you have concerns please book an appointment at Orchard Physiotherapy Clinic.