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Tennis Injury Report

Tennis, low back injuries

There is no evidence that playing tennis involves a higher risk of low back pain with or without sciatica, according to a study from the la Cavale Blanche Teachin Hospital in France.

Of 633 test subjects, only about 70 individuals of the 388 who classified themselves as tennis players reported low back pain during the last week. Fifty five of the 245 non-tennis players reported pain.

Sciatica was not more common in tennis players or the non-tennis players.

Rev Rhum Engl Ed, March 1999, Vol. 66 (3), pp. 143-145.

Tennis After Total Hip Replacement

One year after arthroplasty (total hip replacement surgery), individuals were so satisfied with the results of surgey that they played both singles and doubles approximately three times per week.

The study group had 50 men and 8 women with a mean age of 70 years. Only 14 percent of the patients' surgeons approved this tennis activity.

Because this study was confined to tennis association members, further studies are needed to assess the general effect of tennis on total hip arthroplasty. Until future studies are performed, the authors would recommend that physicians advise caution in tennis activities and to carefully follow their patients yearly.

Am J Sports Med, Jan-Feb 1999, Vol. 27 (1), pp. 60-64.

Treating Tennis Elbow

Progressive exercise showed more beneficial long-term effects in terms of pain alleviation and working ability than ultrasound treatments, according to a study from Oulu University Hospital in Finland.

All the pain scores and pain drawing categories in the progressive exercise group had changed to be significantly better than in the ultrasound group, where only pain under strain had significantly improved.

As a result, the authors wrote, "Exercise may be able to prevent chronicity and should hence be tried and recommended."

Scand J Rehabil Med, Sept. 1998, Vol. 30 (3), pp. 159-166.

Tennis Injuries in Kids

Muscle and ligament sprains linked to overuse are the most common types of injury among young tennis players.

Prevention of injury in young tennis players, or at least a reduction in the incidence, is possible. The researchers recommend:

monitoring equipment and the court surface to ensure a reduction in traumatic injuries like contusions, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

gradually increasing tennis practice.

introducing of new court surfaces to the player slowly.

teaching tennis skills in stages

Sports Med, August 1998, Vol. 26 (2), pp.119-32.

Free Injury Guide

Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., has produced the "Essential Guide to Sports Injury Treatment and Prevention" brochure. The brochure gives tips on how to prevent and treat all types of sports injuries, including soccer injuries. The brochure is free to the public. For more information or to obtain a copy of "Essential Guide to Sports Injury Treatment and Prevention" brochure, call 888/ASK-SJHC (275-7542).