Play Smarter This Summer: How to Prevent Racket Sport Injuries

July 21, 2026

Racket sports are a great way to stay active in the summer. Whether you are playing tennis,
pickleball, squash, or badminton, these sports bring speed, skill, and plenty of fun. They are
also a little harder on the body than many people realize.

At Atlas Physiotherapy, we often see players dealing with sore shoulders, elbow pain, wrist
discomfort, or tightness that develops after returning to the court too quickly. Sometimes the
pain starts small. Sometimes it shows up after a sudden increase in playing time. Either way,
early attention can make a big difference. If you love racket sports and want to keep playing through the season, here are some simple ways to lower your risk of injury.

Start With a Proper Warm Up
One of the easiest ways to protect your body is to warm up before you play. A warm up helps
your muscles, joints, and reaction time prepare for the quick movements racket sports demand.

You do not need anything fancy. A few minutes of:
● Brisk walking
● Arm circles
● Shoulder rolls
● Gentle trunk rotation
● Light lunges
These can help your body feel more ready before the first serve or rally.

Do Not Ignore the Shoulder
The shoulder works hard in racket sports. It helps with serving, swinging, and reaching. If your
shoulder feels tight, weak, or sore after playing, that is worth paying attention to.
Shoulder pain can happen when the muscles around the shoulder are not strong enough, when
your technique is off, or when you have done too much too fast. It can also show up when you
are trying to play through fatigue. Strengthening the shoulder and upper back can help support smoother, safer movement over time.

Tennis Elbow Is Common Across Racket Sports
Pain on the outside of the elbow is one of the most common complaints in racket sports. It often
comes from repeated gripping, swinging, and wrist use. People may notice it when holding a
racquet, opening jars, lifting objects, or playing for longer periods.
The wrist and forearm take on a lot during racket sports. Repeated gripping and impact can lead
to soreness, stiffness, or strain, especially if you are new to the sport or playing more often than
usual.

If your wrist aches during or after play, it may help to look at your grip, your racquet, and how
much load you are putting on your body each week. Sometimes a simple adjustment makes a
big difference. The good news is that elbow pain often responds well to the right combination of treatment, rest, and strength work. The key is not to keep hammering away at it and hope it disappears on its own.

If you have been searching for tennis elbow treatment in Markham or physiotherapy for elbow
pain, you are not alone. It is a very common issue and one that can often improve with the right
care.

Build Strength Off the Court
A strong body usually handles sports better. That means the work you do away from the court
matters just as much as the work you do on it.

Helpful areas to strengthen include:
● Shoulders
● Upper back
● Forearms
● Core
● Glutes and legs

This does not mean you need a full gym routine. Even a few simple exercises done consistently
can improve how you move and help your body tolerate the demands of racket sports more
comfortably.

Do Not Push Through Pain That Keeps Returning
A little muscle soreness after a hard match is one thing. Pain that keeps coming back, gets
worse as you play, or starts affecting your grip and movement is something else.
Many players wait too long because they do not want to miss time on the court. But that often
leads to a longer break later. It is usually better to get help early and stay ahead of a more
serious setback.

If you are noticing recurring pain in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or upper back, physiotherapy can
help assess what is going on and what should change.

How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy can be a great fit for racket sport injuries because it looks at the full picture. That
includes strength, mobility, load, technique, and recovery.

At Atlas Physiotherapy, we help people understand why the pain started, what tissues may be
irritated, and what can be done to reduce the risk of it coming back. For many players, that
means getting a treatment plan that includes hands on care, exercise, and practical advice that
fits real life.

If you are looking for sports physiotherapy Markham, physiotherapy Markham, or a physio clinic
near me because something is not feeling right, this is exactly the kind of problem we see often.

Keep Playing for the Long Run
Racket sports should be something you enjoy, not something that leaves you sidelined every
few weeks. A good warm up, regular strength work, smart pacing, and early treatment when
needed can all help you stay on the court longer.

If you are dealing with shoulder pain, elbow pain, wrist discomfort, or a nagging issue that does
not seem to settle down, Atlas Physiotherapy is here to help. We can help you figure out what is
going on and build a plan so you can keep playing with more confidence.

If you are unsure where to start, reach out. We are happy to help you get moving again in a way
that feels manageable and effective.