Physiotherapists

Mark Vorwerk, Justin Bircher (Biokineticist), Brent Grimsley (Pysiotherapist), Stuart Bartlett (Biokinetecist)

+ Holroyd & Goodenough Physiotherapists are based in the Emberton Sports & Wellness Centre. All Tennis+ players are offered one free injury assessment and advice session.
Tel: 031-764 2918

Typical Tennis player complaining of Shoulder pain 

• Acute strain during training or match
• Chronic pain for months - not improving
• Re-injured old shoulder injury
• Instability of shoulder joint (dislocated during match/other sport)
• Sport          - Repetitive arm movements

                      - Fell on shoulder

                      - Racquet sports

                      - Throwing 

                      - Swimming 

                      - Combination of different sports at same time

Symptoms 

• Pain with shoulder movements esp. above 90˚
• Increased pain with resisted Shoulder movement
• Can't localise pain
• Neck pain/stiffness/trigger points
• Pain radiating to front or mid shaft of arm
• Instability of joint
• Can't sleep on Shoulder
• Effecting performance
• Poor serving technique
• Inconsistent tennis

What aggravates or causes Shoulder pain in tennis?

• Poor posture - especially teenagers

                         - rounded upper back

                         - carrying heavy book cases at school

                         - Sitting/walking slumped 

• Poor technique - Due to muscle weakness esp. shoulder stabilizers

                             -  or bad habits developed with poor/no coaching

• Previous Shoulder injuries that were neglected - no Physio or Rehab done 
• Too much training/matches - Repetitive strain can cause wear and tear on the joints and tendons if rest is not incorporated into training programs 
• Poor shoulder muscle activation

What is normal shoulder muscle activation? : 

• Pre-activation or pre-setting of the rotator cuff and scapula prior to any shot
• This provides joint stability and provides efficient power to the arm

What is abnormal shoulder movement during tennis? : 

• Delayed activation of the rotator cuff stabilizers causes shoulder instability - this is seen when the scapula bone or wing elevates its inside border of the back with shots esp. serving
• Abnormal scapula or wing movement occurs 100% with Rotator cuff impingements and 64% with shoulder instability and is the main cause of shoulder pain in tennis

Treatment of the shoulder injuries: 

• Rest from painful activity (ex. stop serving).
• Anti-inflammatory tablets + Ice 3 times a day for 20 minutes
• Chronic Shoulders like Heat Packs 3 times a day for 20 minutes
• Go to a Sports Physio who is knowledgeable about tennis and tennis injuries for an Biomechanical assessment
• I only ask my players to avoid the painful shot, they can continue training their backhands, volleys etc. if that is not painful.
• The coach brings me, the Physio, the video of the player, playing the painful shot and we analyze it together to see where the problem is
• After I have assessed what is wrong with the player's technique, I will advise the coach and ask the coach to work on certain exercises with the player to improve the technique and reduce pain.
• My treatment consists out of an assessment, video-analysis, massage, taping, rehabilitation and home exercises
• If the player needs ongoing rehab I will refer them on to a Biokinetisist.
• Please phone me at 031-764 2918 to make an appointment for any injury or email me with your questions : brent@thephysio.co.za