Watching Alex Eala dominate on court makes tennis look effortless. From climbing the global rankings to beating top WTA stars like Jasmine Paolini, Madison Keys, and Iga Świątek, she has inspired a new generation of Filipinas to pick up a racquet. Her recent gold and bronze medal wins at the Southeast Asian Games only add to the excitement.
But behind every powerful serve and baseline rally is intense physical strain. According to specialists at Makati Medical Center, tennis may be thrilling, but it also puts serious demands on the body. If you are dreaming of ruling the court, even just on weekends, knowing how to prevent injuries is key.
Why Tennis Is Tougher Than It Looks
Dr. Carlo Angelo V. Borbon, Sports Medicine Specialist and Orthopedic Surgeon at MakatiMed, explains that tennis is one of the hardest sports to master. It requires speed, agility, strength, and sharp hand eye coordination. Players sprint forward, backward, and sideways while returning balls that can travel at 70 to 90 miles per hour.
The upside is undeniable. Tennis boosts heart health, lowers blood pressure, strengthens muscles, improves bone density, and builds confidence. The downside? Repetitive motions and sudden stops can lead to nagging injuries that even professionals face.
Tennis Elbow: The Classic Court Complaint
That persistent ache or burning sensation on the outer elbow is commonly known as tennis elbow. It develops from overusing the forearm muscles and tendons.
Dr. Borbon advises resting the affected arm for several weeks. Once the pain subsides, he recommends consulting a sports doctor or physical therapist for strengthening exercises to prevent the injury from returning.
Wrist Injuries: A Painful Setback
Even elite players like Rafael Nadal, Kei Nishikori, and Nick Kyrgios have had to sit out tournaments due to wrist problems.
Wrist injuries can range from tiny tendon tears to sprains and pinched nerves. Overuse is often the cause, but switching to a new racquet or adjusting your grip can also trigger pain and swelling. Dr. Borbon suggests wearing a wrist brace for support and investing in a racquet that suits your playing style to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Knee Injuries: The Hidden Impact of Quick Moves
Tennis involves explosive sprints, pivots, and jumps that place heavy stress on the knees. Injuries may include meniscus wear and tear, ligament damage such as an ACL tear, or inflammation of the patellar tendon.
Dr. Borbon points out that proper footwear is essential. Tennis shoes are specifically designed with cushioning and support for court movements. He also notes that clay or shell courts are gentler on the joints compared to hard courts, helping reduce strain on the knees, hips, and feet.
Shoulder Strain and Rotator Cuff Injuries
Repeated serves, forehands, and backhands can take a toll on your shoulders. Over time, these movements may stretch or tear muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff, causing weakness and discomfort.
Early treatment, rest, icing, and guided strengthening exercises can help keep your shoulder strong and pain free.
Back Pain from Serving
The powerful serve that wins points can also strain your lower back. The motion of arching backward during the toss, twisting the torso, and snapping forward places stress on the spine.
Dr. Borbon warns that repeated strain may lead to chronic pain or even stress fractures. Working with a tennis coach to refine your serving technique can significantly reduce pressure on the back.
Smart Habits to Stay in the Game
While injuries can happen in any sport, many can be avoided with proper precautions. Dr. Borbon emphasizes not doing too much too soon. Warm up before playing and cool down afterward. Cross train with strength workouts to build shoulder, core, arm, and leg muscles. Most importantly, get enough rest.
He also cautions that surgery should be a last resort. It can be costly and recovery takes time. At the first sign of pain, scale back and address the issue immediately so you can enjoy the sport for years to come.
For expert care and sports injury management, contact MakatiMed On Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. You can also follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter for more health tips.
Final Serve: Play Smart, Play Long
Channeling your inner Alex Eala starts with passion, but longevity on the court requires discipline and self care. Whether you are training for competition or simply rallying with friends, listening to your body is your greatest advantage. Protect it, strengthen it, and give it the recovery it deserves.
Ready to step onto the court? Make injury prevention part of your game plan.