Enjoy your tennis game and protect your body

Tennis injuries can affect your back and core, but more commonly involve limbs. Tennis elbow is a well-known issue. Gripping the racquet and repeated ball hitting can irritate the tendons on your outer elbow, causing pain or aching in that area.

Your wrist absorbs impact with each shot and may also become sore or strained. 

Shoulders are also vulnerable. Rotator cuff injuries can develop, particularly with serving and overhead shots, causing pain and weakness when lifting your arm.

Lower-limb injuries are often more sudden than gradual. Stopping quickly, lunging and pivoting can stress ankles and knees. Ankle sprains and knee ligament strains are common.

Prevention begins before you step onto the court. Many injuries are linked to overuse, poor technique, or inadequate preparation.

• Warm up: Prepare your muscles and joints with gentle, movement-based stretches targeting your shoulders, hips, and hamstrings.

• Technique matters: Work with a coach to refine your grip, swing, and footwork to reduce joint stress.

• Strength matters: Strong legs support quick movements, a stable core improves control and balance, and well-conditioned shoulders help protect vulnerable joints.

• Respect your limits: Lingering soreness, stiffness after play, or a drop in performance can signal that your body needs rest. Having recovery days and avoiding overtraining reduce injury risk.

• Choose the right gear: A suitable racquet, correct string tension, and tennis shoes suited to your feet can make a big difference.

Pain, weakness, or discomfort that persists or affects your game shouldn’t be ignored. Seeking appropriate healthcare advice early can help identify problems and prevent them from getting worse.