Unlocking Your Potential: Addressing Hip Injuries in Tennis

In tennis, your hips are the powerhouse behind every movement. From explosive sprints to powerful forehand and backhand shots, the hips play a crucial role in generating strength and maintaining balance. However, they are also a common site for injury due to repetitive strain, sudden directional changes, and overuse.

Common Hip Injuries in Tennis

1. Hip Flexor Strains
   Tight or weak hip flexors can lead to painful strains, especially after abrupt movements or high-volume play.

2. Labral Tears
   The labrum, the cartilage surrounding the hip joint, can tear from repetitive twisting motions, leading to pain, stiffness, and clicking.

3. Hip Bursitis
   Inflammation of the bursa around the hip joint can cause discomfort and limit mobility.

4. Osteo Arthritis (OA)

   This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage that cushions the hip joint wears away over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. For older tennis players, the repetitive impact and rotational movements inherent in the sport can accelerate wear and tear on the hip joint, making osteoarthritis a common concern.

Causes of Hip Injuries

• Repetitive twisting or pivoting motions.

• Muscle imbalances, particularly between the glutes and hip flexors.

• Poor warm-up or overtraining.

Treatment at Mixed Osteo
Our team focuses on restoring hip mobility, improving strength, and correcting muscle imbalances.

Treatment includes:

• Manual therapy and movement-based treatment, known as FMR ( Functional Manual Reaction) to help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Specific exercises to strengthen the glutes and stabilise the pelvis.

• Biomechanical assessments to identify and correct movement dysfunctions.

Prevention Tips for Tennis Players

• Incorporate hip mobility drills into your warm-up routine.

• Avoid overtraining and ensure proper recovery between matches.

Your hips are key to your performance on the court. Don’t let hip pain sideline you—book an appointment at Mixed Osteo today and experience personalised care to keep you moving at your best.