Tennis Injuries: Cutting Edge Treatments  

and Prevention Strategies

  Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is by far one of the most prevalent injuries in tennis.  It is caused by the micro-tearing of the extensor group muscles of the elbow.  These muscles are located on the thumb side of the elbow and allow us to bring our wrist back and side to side.  Scar tissue can form in the muscle belly which can compress important nerves and blood vessels.  It typically occurs secondarily to the use of an aluminum racquet, incorrect grip measurement, improper backhand technique, excess weight of the racquet, and due to too much tension in the strings.   
      Rotator cuff tendonitis is also caused by micro-tearing in the belly of the muscle. The muscles involved are the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder which originate in the shoulder blade (scapula) and attach to the upper arm (humerus).  Typically we see this occur with players who serve with an elbow to side angle of less than 90 degrees.  Due to the improper mechanics of the serve it typically also requires the player to serve repeatedly.
      A byproduct of the constant running and cutting in tennis is anterior (front) knee pain located deep, beneath the knee cap (patella).   The patella fails to track or move correctly within the knee resulting in frictional forces applied to the lower femur bone and subsequent braking off of small pieces of cartilage. This can lead to a condition called chondromalacia patella.  Pain is usually experienced when going up stairs and stopping abruptly while running. 
      The primary goals in treating these disorders are to reduce inflammation, break up the fibrotic adhesions (scar tissue), strengthen surrounding musculature and neurological pathways, and restore proper joint motion.  This entails some simple procedures including myofascial release, passive and active mobilization, isometric and isotonic strengthening, and joint manipulation (adjustment).  New cutting edge procedures involve the use of mirrors in a technique termed mirror imaging technique which attempts to strengthen the neurological and immune pathways in the affected limb.  In addition, cross cord applications and eccentric fast stretching are novel procedures which decrease healing time. 

        In terms of nutrition, supplementing with proteolytic enzymes and essential fatty acids will help to reduce inflammation and break down scar tissue.  Sticking to an anti-inflammatory, low glycemic index diet will also help to reduce inflammation and insulin surges which can promote neurological degeneration
Lastly, prevention is the key to avoiding injury all together. Here are some key tips to increase your longevity and effectiveness on the court:

1.      Utilize a ceramic or graphite racquet which reduced vibration.
2.      Choose a lighter racquet-10.5-11.5 oz.
3.      Make sure you have a correct grip measurement.
4.      Use natural gut strings, tension is 3-5 lbs below what an athlete is used to.
5.      Use proper backhand technique.
6.      Warm up prior to playing.
7.      Focus on core muscle training.
8.      Keep your spine in correct alignment.
9.      Strengthen lower extremity musculature.
10.    Take a multivitamin with plenty of anti-oxidants.

        A real cutting edge procedure is termed motor imaging technique.  In essence the athlete visualizes in sets and repetition format, a learned movement such as the various movements on the tennis court.  The visualization must be very detailed in nature. Scientifically, the neurological pathways involved in the particular movement are enhanced and other non-pertinent pathways inhibited.  This activity is gaining great notoriety as many of the top athletes in the world are incorporating this into their treatment regimen.  Please contact our office for more detailed information on how to get started with some of these revolutionary techniques.    

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PILATES IS FOR EVERYONE

The Pilates system was developed  in the 20th century.  Practiced regularly, it helps to keep the body and mind working in harmony because it requires a focused mind as well as flowing physical movements.  The aim of Pilates is to work different muscles to tone and condition the body, while developing correct breathing, good posture, and mental concentration and focus.  It improves overall balance and coordination, while it streamlines the body and also helps to improve flexibility in all the muscles and joints.

Pilates is for everyone.  You don't have to be an athlete to do it.  The exercises are gentle and are designed to put as little strain on the body as possible.  This means that almost anyone of any age and level of fitness can do it and work at their own level and pace.

Pilates can really improve your health.  The carefully designed exercises are very effective for helping you to tone your body and achieve a longer, leaner look and great shape, without creating muscle "bulk".  They will help you to reduce stress and beat fatigue, as well as build up your self-confidence and heighten your sense of well-being.  You will start to look and feel superb, and move with a new grace that comes from improved coordination and greater muscle flexibility.  There is no better time to start reshaping your body - all you need is a little time and the desire to succeed.

The Pilates system offers a complete work-out for the body that exercises not just the main muscle groups, but weaker, less-used muscles too.  It therefore enables you to achieve a perfectly toned body and realize your true fitness potential.  

There are enormous rewards to be gained from doing Pilates regularly.  In addition to greater self-confidence and increased sense of well-being, practicing Pilates can offer the following advantages:  Improved balance, Reduced stress, More efficient digestion, Increased oxygen intake, Better circulation, Improved skin, Enhanced immune system, Increase stamina and endurance, Sculpted and toned body and Greater strength, and coordination.

Pilates exercises work on the body in a very effective way.  Rather than isolating particular muscle groups, they work on the body as a whole, equipping you to perform everyday tasks more efficiently, such as carrying shopping bags, gardening, and moving furniture, everyday functional movements.

All of the celebrities are doing Pilates and you can too.   

To Optimal Health, Fitness and Wellness Always,  Kim.

You can contact Kim for Private Training Sessions at :   954-415-9826   www.stayfitwithkim.com