Tennis players need strong shoulders to back a powerful serve. When you use the shoulder too much, however, injuries can occur. Because there are a significant number of muscles, tendons and ligaments in the shoulder, these areas can become trapped or impinged under the top of the shoulder bone. If you do experience this type of injury, it's important to treat it at home and then under a physician's care to keep a more serious condition from developing.
Significance
Your shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in your body and consists of the upper arm bone, the shoulder blade and the collarbone. Each piece is held together with muscles and tendons on the rotator cuff. Ideally, these muscles move together when you play tennis to help you make a fluid overhand shot, high forehand or backhand volley. Impingement occurs when you lift your arm and your collarbone rubs against the tendons and fluid-filled bursa sacs that help your shoulder joint move easily. When impingement occurs, pain and irritation are sure to follow.
Symptoms
Shoulder impingement is a common complaint in tennis players because it relates to lifting and overhead arm movements. Shoulder impingement can start as a dull pain that is noticeable when you serve or throw a tennis ball in the air. While you may not question pain with activity, if the pain continues after your tennis match or practice, this can indicate shoulder impingement. The pain typically begins in the front of the shoulder, then radiates down the arm -- specifically, the side of the arm. If you experience shoulder impingement, the pain may increase to a point that it results in a loss of strength and range of motion. You may develop difficulty in putting your hands behind your back.
Prevention
Because shoulder impingement is common in tennis players, engaging in preventive stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce your risk of experiencing the condition. Strengthening exercises include using a resistance band attached to a sturdy door frame, shower curtain bar or other area higher than the shoulder. Grasp the resistance band, lift your arm to shoulder height and bend the arm at the elbow. This position should look much like a pitcher throwing a ball. Move the arm forward as if you are throwing a ball overhand. Repeat the exercise 10 times. You also can perform stretching exercises such as lifting your tennis racket overhead or across the shoulder, feeling a stretch.
Solution
If you experience shoulder impingement, failure to treat the injury but continuing to play tennis can result in further joint impingement. Over time, this can lead to a rotator cuff tear. When you experience the beginning signs of shoulder impingement, rest the shoulder long enough to give the tendons time to recover. Ice the affected shoulder in 10-minute intervals to relieve swelling and redness. Taking ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce pain while the shoulder heals. If your pain does not subside with time, seek a physician's attention to evaluate your shoulder and ensure you have not experienced a more serious injury.
