At the Osteopaths we often see tennis and racket sports players for a range of problems. Shoulder injuries are common due to the repetitive stress applied on the joint during game play, for instance. Consequently, these injuries, including rotator cuff tendonitis, impingement, and instability require effective management strategies for recovery. Osteopathic treatment has shown great results in complementing conventional approaches to managing these injuries.
How can an osteopath help?
Osteopathic manipulation techniques can help in the recovery of shoulder injuries by improving muscular balance, joint mobility and function. For example, In the case of rotator cuff tendonitis, osteopathic treatment can reduce inflammation. This helps restore proper shoulder movement.
Osteopathic practitioners focus on finding and fixing biomechanical dysfunctions that contribute to shoulder injuries. By improving the alignment and movement of the shoulder joint, osteopathy can therefore reduce the likelihood of impingement and associated pain.
Rehabilitation
In cases of shoulder instability resulting from repetitive strain, osteopathic interventions can enhance joint stability. As a result, these treatments re-establish muscular coordination and improve the joint’s structural integrity. This reduces the risk of future dislocations or subluxations.
Therefore, combining osteopathic care with appropriate strength exercises and rehabilitation protocols can improve recovery and prevent recurrent shoulder injuries.
By integrating osteopathic treatment into injury management strategies, tennis players can potentially expedite recovery. Therefore, they can improve shoulder function, and reduce the likelihood of re-injury, allowing them to return to the court with confidence.
References
Ajimsha, M.S., et al. “Effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment in the management of recurrent shoulder impingement syndrome: A randomized trial.” Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy – An International Journal 8.1 (2014): 118-122.
- Bialosky, Joel E., et al. “Immediate effects of thoracic manipulation in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.” Manual Therapy 19.6 (2014): 567-575.
- Carnes, Myfanwy, et al. “Adverse events in manual therapy: A systematic review.” Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy 19.4 (2011): 221-234.
