Tennis, Padel and Pickleball Shoulders: Staying on the Court
Racquet sports are a big part of life in north Broward, from early-morning tennis to the growing number of padel and pickleball courts around Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach. Overhead serves, quick lateral steps and repeated swings are a lot of fun, and they put real demands on the shoulder, elbow and lower back.
Where racquet players tend to get sore
The shoulder does much of the work on serves and overheads, and the small muscles that steady the joint can get tired and irritated with repetition. The outer elbow can complain after long sessions or a change in grip or racquet. The low back takes the rotation of every forehand and backhand, especially when the hips and upper back are stiff.
Smarter habits on and off the court
- Warm up with easy rallies and arm circles before hitting hard.
- Build up gradually after time off; jumping straight into three matches in a weekend is a common trigger.
- Rotate through the hips and legs rather than only the arm.
- Check your grip size and string tension with a pro if your elbow keeps acting up.
- Wear court shoes with good lateral support.
How a sports-focused evaluation works
At McNamara Chiropractic Center, the Sports Injury Recovery Program and the Shoulder Restoration Program are structured approaches for active people. An evaluation begins with how you play, how often and what movements hurt. Dr. Carol McNamara-Krauss, DC looks not only at the sore area but also at the joints above and below it, such as the upper back, neck and wrist for a shoulder or elbow complaint.
If care is a good fit, options https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1mQ2aC3Soc1NBceowTuoSisY2E72jpCrl?usp=sharing may include adjustments to the spine and extremities, Class IV laser therapy, shockwave therapy for certain stubborn tendon problems, therapeutic ultrasound and massage therapy. Laser and shockwave are never applied to the same area. The aim is a sensible, gradual return to play, with progress reviewed along the way rather than promised up front.
Stop and get checked if
You felt a pop followed by weakness, cannot lift your arm, or have significant swelling or bruising. Those signs call for prompt medical attention.
The office is at 3320 N Federal Hwy, between Sample Road and Copans Road, with free on-site parking.
McNamara Chiropractic Center
3320 North Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064(954) 902-6371General information only; not medical advice. Please consult a qualified provider about your situation.