Padel’s dynamic rallies and powerful smashes are exhilarating, but shoulder pain can impede your performance. At Elite Performance Therapy, we understand the frustration this causes. Having relocated from Spain, where padel is a national passion, we bring extensive experience in managing padel-related injuries, preventing them, and optimising warm-ups and cool-downs. We offer a professional guide to understanding shoulder pain, distinguishing it from other issues, and implementing effective recovery strategies.
Causes of Shoulder Pain in Padel
Padel’s repetitive motions, such as volleys and overhead shots, place significant demands on the shoulder. These actions can strain muscles and tendons, leading to discomfort. Common causes include:
- Rotator Cuff Strain: Overuse of stabilising muscles from frequent swings.
- Impingement: Tendons compressed during overhead movements, causing pain.
- Muscle Tension: Tightness in the neck or upper back affecting shoulder function.
With our Spanish expertise, we excel at addressing these issues and tailoring recovery plans.
Distinguishing Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain from padel typically manifests during smashes or serves. If pain radiates down the arm or includes numbness, it may indicate a nerve issue. Here at Elite Performance Therapy, we can help clarify the nature of your discomfort, ensuring an accurate approach to recovery.
Elite Performance Therapy’s Recovery Tips
Leveraging our experience from Spain’s vibrant padel scene, Elite Performance Therapy recommends these evidence-based strategies:
- Effective Warm-Up: Perform 5-10 minutes of arm circles and dynamic stretches to prepare your shoulder.
- Rotator Cuff Strengthening: Use a resistance band for external rotations, 10-15 reps per side, to enhance stability.
- Proper Cool-Down: Stretch chest and shoulders for 20 seconds post-match to relieve tension.
- Strategic Rest: Avoid overhead shots for 1-2 days if sore, maintaining light movement to prevent stiffness.
Why Choose Elite Performance Therapy?
Elite Performance Therapy draws on years of expertise from Spain, where we honed our skills in padel injury management, prevention, and performance optimisation. Now serving the UK, we offer personalised care to ensure lasting recovery for casual and competitive players alike.
Want to know more?
Don’t let shoulder pain disrupt your padel passion. We would love to help but know some would prefer not to commit to an appointment straight away, as such we offer a complimentary telephone consultation to discuss your symptoms.