Neck Pain in Tennis: Causes, Prevention & Treatment
Tennis requires constant head movement, rapid changes in direction, and high-impact strokes like serves and overhead smashes. These movements place strain on the neck, especially when combined with poor posture, muscle imbalances, or a lack of mobility.
Dr Nat Osteo helps patient with neck pain from playing tennis. He identifies her underlying issues is coming from the hips, this is setting up the neck for failure.
Some common causes of tennis-related neck pain include:
✅ Overuse & Repetitive Motion: The repeated twisting and extension of the neck during serves and rallies can lead to muscle fatigue and stiffness.
✅ Poor Posture & Weakness: Weakness in the upper back and shoulders can cause excess tension in the neck.
✅ Sudden Movements & Jarring Impact: Quick directional changes and abrupt stops can create strain in the cervical spine.
✅ Underlying Conditions: Pre-existing issues like cervical disc degeneration or muscle imbalances can worsen with intense play.
How an Osteopath Can Help
At Mixed Osteo, our osteopaths provide individualised treatment plans to target muscle tension, joint restrictions, and movement imbalances that contribute to neck pain.
Our approach includes:
🔹 Applied Functional Science and Movement based treatment to improve mobility and reduce tension
🔹 Soft tissue techniques and hands-on manual therapy to relieve muscle tightness
🔹 Postural and movement assessments to identify imbalances
🔹 Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the neck and surrounding muscles
🔹 Sport-specific advice to prevent recurring issues
Preventing Neck Pain in Tennis
To reduce your risk of injury, follow these key prevention tips:
✔️ Warm Up & Stretch: Prepare your muscles before matches with dynamic stretches specific for you.
✔️ Strengthen Your Neck & Upper Back: Exercises can help build stability and strength.
✔️ Improve Your Posture: Avoid excessive forward head posture both on and off the court.
✔️ Use Proper Technique: Work with a coach to ensure your serves, strokes, and positioning are efficient.
✔️ See an Osteopath Regularly: Don’t wait for pain to escalate—book an appointment at Mixed Osteo for ongoing care.
Book an Appointment at Mixed Osteo
If neck pain is affecting your tennis performance, don’t ignore it! Our experienced osteopaths at Mixed Osteo in Kensington, Victoria are here to help.
📍 Location: Mixed Osteo, Kensington, Victoria
📅 Book Online Now
