Wheelchair tennis players are very skilled athletes and are known as some of the best in the world. However, this sport also carries a certain level of risk and injury. This article will explore some of the most common soft tissue injuries that wheelchair tennis athletes face.
Abrasions, strains, and sprains are common soft tissue injuries in wheelchair tennis players.The shoulder is the most common site of pain in wheelchair athletes. However, the injury rates for these athletes do not match the injury rates for able-bodied players. Although injuries are a problem for wheelchair tennis players, they are less likely than for able-bodied players. In fact, they may be at lower risk for overuse injuries. Some studies have found that a lack of trunk control leads to an increased risk of shoulder problems in wheelchair tennis players. This is because an athlete's upper body compensates for the lack of power. As a result, the shoulder joint experiences high compressive forces. Studies have also found that a lack of kinematic chains can lead to an increase in injury rates. For example, a lower-level SCI was found to have more torque than a higher-level SCI. Another study identified musculoskeletal adaptations in the shoulder joint of wheelchair tennis athletes. These included a more externally rotated scapula on the dominant side. It is not clear whether these adaptations are a cause or a consequence of the physiologic demands of wheelchair tennis. However, research on the specifics of these adaptations is needed. Shoulder injuries must be avoided in wheelchair tennis. If an athlete is at risk for these injuries, occupational therapy should be considered. One of the more exciting things to happen to wheelchair tennis is the proliferation of players. Previously, this niche sport was confined to a handful of snobby clubs and rehabilitation centers, but now that there are more than a few players to be found at various levels of the ladder, the game has made the leap to the public.
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