Rotator Cuff Tendonitis in Tennis Players

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis in Tennis Players: Understanding, Identifying, Treating

Source: Motus Physical Therapy

What is rotator cuff tendonitis?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. It provides stability to the shoulder and allows for movements such as raising and rotating the arm.

Tendonitis occurs when tendons become inflamed or irritated, often due to repetitive overhead movements—common among tennis players (serve, smash, high volley). This overuse creates micro-lesions and inflammation of the tendons.

 

Mechanism of injury in tennis

In tennis, repetitive movements, particularly serving and overhead hitting, place intense strain on the rotator cuff. When the warm-up is inadequate, biomechanics are imperfect, or certain muscles are imbalanced, the strain on the tendons can lead to tendinitis.

 

Common symptoms

• Shoulder pain, especially when raising the arm or lying on the affected side.
• Muscular weakness, difficulty lifting or rotating the arm.
• Joint stiffness, loss of mobility.
• Crackling or popping noises during certain arm movements.

These signs may worsen without proper treatment.

 

Recommended manual treatments

Physiotherapy

The physiotherapist uses targeted exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff, improve joint mobility, and reduce inflammation (electrotherapy, ultrasound, cryotherapy, etc.). This is a pillar of conservative treatment.

 

Kinesitherapy

Through passive and active mobilizations, physiotherapy helps restore movement, correct muscle imbalances, and prevent recurrence. It acts on the overall motor pattern.

 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can relieve pain and reduce inflammation by stimulating specific points along the meridians. It complements other approaches well for chronic or inflammatory pain.

 

Osteopathy

Osteopaths work on the entire body to improve overall mobility, reduce joint and tissue tension, and promote better local vascularization. The techniques are gentle and tailored to each individual case.

 

Sports massage

Sports massage, especially after exercise, helps drain metabolic waste, reduce muscle tension, and speed recovery. Kneading and deep friction techniques are particularly useful for loosening muscle tension.

 

Combination therapy: fasciatherapy, deep massage and myofascial release

This manual approach focuses on fascia, the connective tissues that surround muscles. By releasing fascial adhesions and tension, circulation is improved, pain is reduced, and space is restored for structures to function properly.

• Fasciatherapy : gentle, non-intrusive, it acts in depth on tissue dynamics.
• Deep massage : useful for loosening very tense areas and restoring muscle elasticity.
• Myofascial release : slow, prolonged pressure on restricted areas to release deep tissue.

 

Conclusion

Rotator cuff tendonitis can hamper a tennis player's performance, but with appropriate, multidisciplinary care, recovery is entirely possible. Each treatment approach mentioned can be used alone or in combination, depending on the player's needs.