Tennis player, shoulder problems. Please help!

[msk101]

Hi there,

I'd agree with the advice that recommends you see a physio who can devise an exercise based rehab program for you. The manual therapies you've had may be ok to reduce some acute inflammation but it would seem that the cause of your problem would be a muscle imbalance. Also get your thoracic spine checked out (and perhaps mobilised if need be - as overhead shoulder action does require a certain amount of thoracic mobility).

A generic type rehab program would incorporate strengthening the rotator cuff in neutral and other degrees of shoulder abduction (levels of arm raise), and making sure that you hold your shoulder blades in the right position whilst doing this (i liken it to trying to squeeze a marshmallow in the middle of your back while doing the arm exercises). once you get the muscle coordination right you should be able to gradually increase the pain free range of movement you have with your shoulder. as a bonus, correctly stabilising the shoulder blades and strengthened rotator cuff (of which supraspinatus is one of the muscles) should mean that in the long run your serve and overhead strokes are more powerful and directional control will be better. Also you will be able to generate better power through ground strokes. ... essentially this is making the fulcrum more stable so you can move the lever arm with more control and power.

good luck. but find a sports physiotherapist who can address the muscle imbalance and teach you the correct re-training techniques.

Msk101

[Pedro_2008]

anybody based in the UK (preferably south) able to help my Son with a similar injury ?
pm please if you can help or know of anyone suitably qualified

Thanks in advance